The demolition of Elphinstone bridge, which began on September 12, has already thrown traffic into disarray. But amid the chaos, another crisis has surfaced — some of the 19 buildings around the bridge have now been served official notices from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), directing them to carry out urgent repairs.
Residents claim the notice, dated September 9, was actually delivered only on September 16, nearly a week after demolition had begun.
“The delayed serving of notices has only added to our anxiety. We are struggling not just with the uncertainty of rehabilitation but also with the dust, debris, and the incessant noise of demolition,” said Naresh Yadav, 64, of Divera House.
Dilip Kambli, 72, of Veera Building, added, “The notice asks us to carry out urgent repairs, but how is that possible when the entire area is under demolition? First, we need clarity about rehabilitation and safety; only then can repairs even be considered. The fact that the notice is dated September 9 but was given to us only on September 16 feels like a deliberate delay.”
Residents have for months been demanding a consolidated plan for their rehabilitation, especially after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured them earlier this month that a solution would be worked out for all 19 affected buildings. But with no follow-up meetings and no directives issued, the sudden MHADA notices have deepened their insecurity.
Dust clouds and sleepless nights
Large-scale machinery, hammering, and debris removal have blanketed the area in dust. Many residents — especially children and the elderly — are reporting respiratory irritation and allergies.
“Every morning, my windows are coated in a fresh layer of dust,” said Renuka Pawar, a homemaker who has lived near the bridge for three decades. “I have constant throat irritation and sneezing, and my children cannot concentrate on their studies because of the noise. It feels like we are stuck inside a construction site with no end.”
Local doctors confirm a spike in dust-related health issues. “We are seeing patients with aggravated asthma, sinusitis, skin irritation, and stress caused by noise pollution and lack of sleep,” said Dr Uma Rao, a general physician.
Waiting for promised meeting
On September 12, at the start of the demolition, CM Fadnavis had promised that within a week, a meeting would be held to finalise a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for all 19 buildings. Two weeks later, no such meeting has taken place, and residents say they are left in the dark.
“We keep chasing officials for updates, but no one has answers. Meanwhile, the demolition continues day and night, and our lives are being disrupted beyond imagination,” Yadav said.
