Families set to be displaced from the Elphinstone area continue to face mounting challenges in securing alternative housing, even as many say they are willing to compromise and pay extra for better accommodation. Residents allege that the rehabilitation process has been plagued by a lack of transparency, poor coordination, and inadequate infrastructure at the allotted sites.

Voices

Manish Shirodkar, allotted a seventh-floor flat in D-Abero through lottery system
‘When flats were available at Mariano, D-Abero and Aquino buildings in Prabhadevi, chits were drawn for those willing to pay extra for larger homes. I was allotted a flat in D-Abero on the seventh floor, but the lift has not been working for six months now due to maintenance issues. Out of frustration, I accepted the flat, hoping the issue would be resolved by the time we moved in. The flat measures 454 sq ft, for which I will pay Rs 22,03,800 from my own pocket. I had also written to the MMRDA and MHADA expressing willingness to take a flat in Ghatkopar. But, when I requested a site visit, there was no response. It has been over three weeks since my request.’