Residents of the Santacruz West Khotwadi slum in Mumbai have complained about not receiving rent for their homes and shops over the past six years as part of an ongoing redevelopment project led by Transcon Developers. Despite attempts to communicate their issues, the residents allege their pleas have been ignored and they have faced intimidation. They are now appealing to the government for urgent intervention to address the matter and protect their rights. Transcon Developers shared details of rent payments made and communications with authorities, stating all dues have been cleared and that the construction of new rehab buildings is also nearing completion.
Residents of the Santacruz West Khotwadi Slum Redevelopment project developed by Transcon Developers have expressed deep concern over not receiving rent for their homes and shops for the past six years.
Despite several attempts to communicate with the developers, the residents' pleas have gone unanswered. They have also allegedly faced intimidation by the builder's representatives, adding to their distress. Now, the residents are appealing to the government for urgent intervention to address the matter and protect their rights.
When contacted, Transcon Developers stated they have been working to timely deliver the project and rehabilitate slum dwellers in new homes. They said all outstanding dues have been periodically cleared and construction of new rehab buildings is nearing completion, with possession expected within the next 2-3 months.
Transcon Developers presented a timeline of events, payments made and communications with authorities to support their position. The developer stated that while the Letter of Intent (LOI) for the slum redevelopment project was issued in 2014, they could only fully vacate the plot and commence construction work in 2019. This was due to some slum dwellers initially resisting vacating their structures and allowing implementation of the scheme.
In September 2023, a Stop Work Notice was issued by the Executive Engineer of SRA, citing an outstanding rent amount of INR 1,38,60,000/- as per a letter from AR(SRA) dated September 4, 2023. However, in November 2023 SRA withdrew the Stop Work Notice via a letter, as the developers had deposited a demand draft for the full outstanding rent amount of INR 1,38,60,000/- and agreed to clear any further dues if applicable.
In April 2024, the developers submitted a cheque for INR 1,04,74,500/- to the slum dwellers as rent for the period of April to June 2024. An inspection report dated April 26, 2024 noted that names were repeated in complainants' lists. It was found the developer had paid around INR 2,43,34,500/- in outstanding rent, and the demanded rent increase was very high. The developers had assured to pay any actual rent dues.
Slum dwellers were directed to share bank details to transfer the deposited rent. Finally, rent of INR 16,69,500/- was transferred to given accounts from the deposited INR 2,43,34,500/- on May 2, 2024.
The company denied allegations of intimidation or failure to respond, calling them false and intended to unfairly pressurise the builder. Transcon assured full benefits will be provided to slum dwellers as per the project, including rent till new homes are handed over. Moreover, Transcon said that it is committed to start handing over the units for SRA very soon from hereon.
While the developers and residents present differing accounts, resolving this long-standing dispute over rent payments in a fair and transparent manner is crucial to uphold the rights of the slum dwellers. Both parties must work to rebuild trust through open dialogue and cooperation, with government oversight to ensure a timely and equitable resolution as per the rules of the slum rehabilitation scheme. Only then can this redevelopment project deliver on its promise of dignified homes for the slum residents of Santacruz West Khotwadi.
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