MUMBAI: The agitation for bigger houses under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is turning violent. Residents of Dharavi manhandled some Mhada employees carrying out a survey. The Dharavi Bachao Andolan, a committee formed to fight the battle for bigger houses, has warned there will be another Nandigram in Dharavi if the government ignores residents’ demands.

They have started a non-cooperation movement against Mhada. Earlier, they erased the numbers on their houses. Former MLA Baburao Mane, led a mob which did not allow Mhada employees to carry on the survey. “Nobody is happy with the way the state government wants to redevelop Dharavi. Around 90 per cent of residents are engaged in smallscale businesses from their homes, and fear these will shut down,” Mane said.

Shiv Sena has announced it will not accept the redevelopment plan drafted by architect Mukesh Mehta, and is leading the Dharavi Bachao Andolan. Divisional deputy chief Mutthu Thevar said, “They have offered 225 sq ft houses to everyone who is legally staying in places owned by Mhada, BMC and Rajiv Gandhi Shelter Project in Dharavi, should get houses between 500 sq ft to 800 sq ft. If the government will not pay attention towards this, we will continue the agitation in our style.”