In a powerful show of unity, thousands of residents from the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Colony in Nigdi Sector 22 staged a peaceful yet emphatic protest against the proposed Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project in their area.
Marching to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) headquarters on Tuesday, the protestors raised slogans demanding justice for already rehabilitated homes and voiced their opposition to what they described as an “unjust and unnecessary” redevelopment initiative. The protest drew participation from residents of multiple localities — Sanjaynagar, Milindnagar, Buddh Nagar, Vilasnagar, Rajnagar, and Indiranagar — all of whom claimed they had been legally rehabilitated decades ago. Demonstrators, including senior citizens, youth, women, and children, held placards asserting their residential rights and accused the authorities of attempting to displace them under the guise of urban renewal. According to protestors, the colony comprises 1,563 legally recognised and previously rehabilitated households. They stated that the area had been provided with basic civic amenities such as water, electricity, sanitation, and roads long before May 1, 1989. Despite this, the civic body has allegedly declared the colony a “slum” to pave the way for a private redevelopment project, raising questions about motives behind the move.
Members of the residents’ action committee accused the administration of social bias, alleging that the decision to push forward with the SRA scheme reflects deeper systemic discrimination. They warned that redevelopment should not come at the cost of existing, stable communities. Many of the residents believe that labelling the colony as a slum is not only inaccurate but also a deliberate tactic to benefit private developers. Further allegations emerged regarding procedural irregularities in the implementation of the SRA project. Activists claimed that fake consents were obtained by misrepresenting the facts to vulnerable residents. They accused local leaders, developers, and SRA officials of collusion, and charged that application forms were filled out without informed consent from actual homeowners. As a result, residents fear being forcibly evicted from legally constructed homes they have lived in for decades.
The protest culminated in a delegation meeting with the PCMC commissioner, where key demands were submitted. These included the immediate halt of the SRA project, an independent investigation into the fraudulent collection of consent forms, a fresh resurvey to validate legitimate ownership and occupancy, and full transparency regarding past rehabilitation records. The delegation also sought access to the inspection report on the structural quality of the housing in the colony. An official from the municipal administration assured residents that their grievances would be reviewed and appropriate action taken. However, given past experiences where promises remained unfulfilled, protestors remained cautious and signalled their readiness for sustained civic action. Many expressed scepticism about the intentions of the authorities, insisting that no demolition or displacement should occur until genuine consent and legal clarity are established.
The demonstration remained peaceful, disciplined, and constitutionally aligned. Protestors ensured that their voices were heard without resorting to violence, reinforcing their commitment to democratic expression. Despite the calm conduct, the emotional undercurrent of anger and fear was palpable. The residents reiterated their central message — their homes are not slums, and they will resist any attempt to displace them under the SRA project. The developments in Nigdi signal a growing tension in urban governance, particularly around the ethics of redevelopment, consent, and the preservation of communities that have already undergone resettlement. The protest highlights the need for more inclusive and transparent urban planning processes that do not compromise the rights and dignity of already-settled citizens in the name of progress.
As cities continue to expand and infrastructure projects reshape urban landscapes, the Nigdi protest serves as a reminder that genuine community participation and trust-building are essential to achieving equitable and sustainable development.
Nigdi Residents Take a Stand Against SRA Project, Seek Protection for Their Homes
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