Even as uncertainty continues to hang over residents of Elphinstone’s ageing and dilapidated buildings, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has begun searching for rehabilitation options within a 5-km radius for 83 families currently living in Haaji Noorani and Lakshmi Nivas — the two most severely affected structures in the area. However, despite the move, residents say they have received no official communication from MHADA regarding their relocation or timeline.
According to MHADA officials, suitable transit accommodations are being identified close to the existing locality to ensure minimal displacement and disruption. The development follows mounting pressure from residents and local representatives after overnight demolition work began on the Elphinstone bridge, increasing fear among those living in the old, fragile buildings nearby.
Ongoing demolition work on the Elphinstone bridge
“We are moving fast with the process now. Houses will be allotted according to residents’ existing carpet areas. Since every location has a different configuration, we’ll match the transit flat’s carpet area to its current one. Keys will likely be handed over within seven to 15 days,” said Kiran Mahajan, a MHADA official.
No official word yet
Despite these assurances, residents say they have been left completely uninformed. “We’re only hearing from outsiders that MHADA is looking for our rehabilitation, but no one has officially contacted us. We don’t know when or where we’ll be shifted,” said Munaf Thakur, secretary of Haaji Noorani building.
A resident of Lakshmi Nivas added, “We’re living in constant fear, especially after recent collapses in other parts of the city. If MHADA is really planning our relocation, they must meet us, explain the plan, and give us clarity. Right now, we know nothing.”
17 other buildings still in limbo
While the progress around Haaji Noorani and Lakshmi Nivas offers a glimmer of hope, residents of the remaining 17 dilapidated buildings in Elphinstone continue to live in uncertainty. “Even though work has started for two buildings, we have no idea what will happen to the rest of us. The constant noise, dust, and vibrations from demolition machinery have made life unbearable, our windows and walls literally shake,” said Naresh Yadav, a resident of one of the 17 buildings still awaiting clarity.
Rehabilitation sites
MHADA has identified multiple locations within a 5-km radius for relocating affected residents, including:
>> Lokmanya Nagar, Kakasaheb Gadil Marg, Dadar West
>> Dadar-Naigaon Division, Dadasaheb Phalke Road, Dadar East
>> Mahim Division, Sayani Road, Prabhadevi
>> Byculla Division, Jacob Circle
>> Kalachowkie
>> SK Bole Road
>> Shitaladevi Temple Road
>> Subramaniam Road, Matunga
>> Anand Heights, Wadala
>> Badani Bohri Chawl, Parel
>> Khed Galli
>> Shrinivas Tower, Lower Parel
>> Arab Bungalow, Dadar
>> Laxmi Building, Byculla
>> Nastbit Road, Mazagaon
