Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Tuesday issued an eviction notice to the residents of Haji Noorani Chawl in Prabhadevi, the last structure obstructing the alignment of the 4.5km double-decker Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor project near the Elphinstone bridge area, directing them to vacate their premises by Friday. The notice further stated that demolition of the structure would commence April 29.As per the communication, eligible occupants have been allotted rehabilitation premises under the project. The MMRDA stated that in case of any difference in carpet area, compensation would be provided in accordance with applicable norms.The notice further specified that if residents did not vacate within the stipulated deadline, the MMRDA would proceed with eviction and demolition action, and would not be responsible for any damage or loss of belongings during the process.While Laxmi Nivas Chawl in the vicinity was already demolished, the clearance of Haji Noorani Chawl,which was pending due to rehabilitation issues involving a handful of tenants, will now enable the final stretch of the Sewri-Worli elevated corridor. Haji Noorani Chawl housed nine tenants, of whom four accepted the rehabilitation proposal, while five initially declined flats offered in Wadala, seeking accommodation closer to Prabhadevi. Officials said that the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) subsequently identified vacant flats in Prabhadevi area.Under rehabilitation norms, tenants occupying 120 sq ft tenements are entitled to a minimum 405 sq ft carpet area flat, with options including larger units on payment, smaller units with compensation, or monetary settlement.The reconstructed Elphinstone bridge is planned as a 27m-high double-decker flyover linking Senapati Bapat Road with Dr B R Ambedkar Road, with an additional arm providing connectivity to Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Mumbai TransHarbour Link at Sewri. Officials said Maharail aims to complete launching of new girders across the railway tracks by July, after which MMRDA-appointed contractors would take up approach works, while rail-related construction would continue in parallel.
