Dharavi Residents Who Delay Vacating Face Lower Rental Benefits Under Redevelopment Plan
Mumbai, Maharashtra | September 28, 2026: Dharavi residents facing eviction for the redevelopment project could receive reduced rental assistance if they delay vacating their homes, according to a statement from Adani Navbharat Developers, the company implementing the project. The revised amounts include lower monthly rent for residential and commercial occupants, while those who delay will also lose the one-time shifting allowance.
The announcement has added to concerns among residents of Sector 6, including Ganpat Nagar, Meghwadi and Azad Nagar, who say the rental assistance may not be enough to secure alternative accommodation in Mumbai. The situation highlights the challenges of moving thousands of households while redevelopment work progresses.
Rental Assistance to Be Reduced for Residents Who Delay
Adani Navbharat Developers said residents who deliberately delay vacating their premises will receive reduced rental assistance.
Under the revised amounts cited in the company’s statement:
- Ground-floor residents will receive ₹15,000 per month instead of ₹18,000.
- Upper-floor residents will receive ₹12,000 per month instead of ₹15,000.
- Commercial occupants will receive ₹145 per sq ft instead of ₹175 per sq ft.
Residents who delay vacating will also not receive the one-time shifting allowance, according to the company.
Eviction Notices Issued in Dharavi’s Sector 6
Eviction notices have been issued to residents in Sector 6, which includes Ganpat Nagar, Meghwadi and Azad Nagar. Four households in Ganpat Nagar were recently evicted, while 12 households reportedly moved out voluntarily.
The company said delays by a few residents should not hold up housing and other benefits intended for nearly 10 lakh people. It described the redevelopment as a major infrastructure project.
Company Cites Legal Provisions for Action
In its press release, Adani Navbharat Developers referred to Sections 33 and 38 of the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, 1971, and Regulation 33(10)A of DCPR 2034. The company said action could be taken against residents who deliberately delay the project and that they may lose eligibility for rental or transit accommodation benefits.
These are the company’s stated position and interpretation of the provisions. The consequences for individual households will depend on the applicable legal process and their circumstances.
Residents Say Rental Assistance Is Not Enough
Some residents have expressed concern that the assistance will not cover the cost of renting homes in nearby areas. One resident said a one-room-kitchen apartment in Mahim can cost at least ₹35,000 a month, substantially more than the rental assistance being offered.
Residents also said that finding available accommodation could become more difficult if several thousand households are required to move around the same time. Some fear they may have to relocate outside Mumbai to find housing within their means.
Redevelopment Raises Concerns Over Temporary Housing
Residents said they had expected to move directly from their existing homes into rehabilitation flats under the promised “key-to-key” arrangement. One resident pointed to construction on railway land and the lack of open space in Dharavi as reasons for the original relocation plan.
The current requirement to vacate before rehabilitation homes are ready has raised questions about how households will manage the transition. Residents who spoke anonymously also described an atmosphere of fear and alleged that local agents had approached them to persuade them to leave.
What the Rental Changes Mean for Residents
The revised rental amounts could widen the gap between the assistance offered and the cost of securing accommodation in nearby Mumbai neighbourhoods. The removal of the shifting allowance for residents who delay adds another financial concern for households facing relocation.
For affected families, the key issues are the timing of relocation, the availability of affordable rental housing and the terms under which transit assistance is provided. The company’s statement has outlined its position, while residents continue to raise concerns about the practical impact of moving.
What Happens Next
The redevelopment and relocation process is continuing in Sector 6, with some households already moved out and others facing eviction notices. The company has warned that deliberate delays could affect rental and transit accommodation benefits.
The situation for residents will depend on the implementation of the relocation process, the availability of temporary housing and how the stated legal provisions are applied. For households awaiting rehabilitation flats, securing affordable accommodation during the transition remains a central concern.