India, Feb. 19 -- A Worli slum is facing imminent demolition to make way for an access road to a recreational open space, promenade and bus depot for Mumbai's Coastal Road mega-project. The slum-dwellers, taken aback by the sudden notice issued to them, say they have been living there for more than 70 years and are eligible for rehabilitation, not eviction.

The public notice dated February 17, 2025, was served by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to 168 structures in the Markandeshwar Nagar slum on Dr Annie Besant Road in Worli. The slum, according to the notice, is obstructing the proposed 18.30-m-wide access road. The notice states that the slum-dwellers should prove their eligibility within seven days or face eviction.

The...