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The last group of six families from Haaji Noorani building, one of two structures slated for demolition to make way for the connector that replaces Parel’s 112-year-old Elphinstone bridge, have finally been allotted new homes following a delayed rehabilitation process. The final lottery, conducted late Wednesday evening at the MMRDA office, saw the last six families receive housing allocations, finally ending the rehabilitation process.

The fifth floor of D-Abero Building where Manish Shirodkar was allotted Flat No. 504, which doesn’t exist. Pic/By Special Arrangement

However, this has still not ended the problems of these residents. From being given a one-week deadline to arrange for money and to get all their belongings shifted to the allocated homes, to discrepancies in the allotted houses, the residents are frustrated with the treatment given to them.

Authorities speak

Shivaji Davbhat, addition collector
‘We do have extra vacant flats. So the problem of Flat No. 504 will be resolved easily. We will also ensure that the lift in D-Abero will be repaired in a couple of days so that the families can move in quickly. It is MHADA’S responsibility to maintain the building and all its facilities’

Residents’ voices

Manish Shirodkar

‘I was allotted Flat No. 504 of D-Abero Building. However, such a flat does not exist. The building’s numbering system includes units such as 003, 103, and 203 and continues in that pattern up to 703. There are only three flats on each floor, with no provision for a 504. When I informed MMRDA, I was assured another vacant flat. Officials also need to provide proper legal documents of these allotted houses, as these are our permanent addresses. Apart from allotment letters, none of the 23 project-affected families of has received any legal documents’

Suhas Badade

‘Though we are happy that our struggle ended with good houses, giving us just one week to arrange money and shift to a house on the higher floors of a building where the lift is non-functional is inhuman. Because the last few of us kept fighting for our rights, others, who had received good houses earlier, got almost three months to make arrangements. This process wouldn’t have been delayed if the authorities had made arrangements during the blueprint stage itself. Now, just because they have a deadline, they cannot expect us to rush’

Break-up of allotted houses

Five
No of families accommodated in Priyadarshini Building, Prabhadevi

Eight
No of families accommodated in D-Abero Building, Prabhadevi

Four
No of families accommodated in EON Building, Prabhadevi

Two
No of families accommodated in Sapphire Building, Jacob Circle

Two
No of families accommodated in Shimpoli, Borivali

One
No of family accommodated in Loksatta Building, Lalbaug