Documents reviewed by TheNews21 raise questions over repeated revisions in Annexure-II records, eligibility disputes, and transparency in the long-pending Khandwala SRA redevelopment project in Andheri East
Mumbai: The long-pending Khandwala Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project at Kole Kalyan in Andheri East has come under scrutiny after documents reviewed by TheNews21 revealed repeated disputes, objections, and revisions linked to beneficiary eligibility and Annexure-II records over several years. The redevelopment project, which has remained under implementation for nearly 15 years, now faces growing questions over how beneficiary records continued to undergo changes long after the original eligibility exercise was conducted.
TheNews21 has reviewed hundreds of pages of official correspondence, objections, annexure records, departmental notings, and communications linked to the project. The documents indicate a prolonged history of disputes surrounding eligibility verification, inclusion and exclusion of occupants, and repeated representations before authorities.
At the centre of the controversy is Annexure-II — the crucial document that determines who qualifies as an eligible slum dweller entitled to rehabilitation benefits under the SRA scheme. According to records reviewed by TheNews21, the original certified Annexure-II linked to the project covered 744 hutments and structures, with separate categorisation of eligible and non-eligible occupants. However, multiple subsequent communications reviewed by TheNews21 indicate that objections regarding eligibility status, occupancy claims, and beneficiary records continued for years after the initial certification process. Several documents reviewed by this publication also raise questions regarding revisions in occupancy and beneficiary-related records associated with rehabilitation eligibility.
Some of the documents reviewed by TheNews21 further indicate that disputes linked to Annexure-II eligibility had reached higher administrative and appellate levels within the rehabilitation framework. Official notings and proceedings reviewed by this publication refer to objections, reconsideration of eligibility status, and review of certain structures and occupants in connection with Annexure-II records.
Residents associated with the project have alleged that beneficiary and occupancy records underwent revisions during different stages of the redevelopment process. TheNews21 is independently verifying these claims through official records and RTI applications. The publication has not independently verified the authenticity of all allegations made by residents at this stage.
A person associated with the project, speaking to TheNews21 on condition of anonymity, claimed that complaints had already been submitted before the competent authority alleging that certain outsiders had allegedly managed to include their names in Annexure-related records. He further stated that parties linked to the dispute had also approached the Bombay High Court seeking relief and adjudication regarding eligibility-related issues. TheNews21 has not independently verified these claims at this stage.
The issue assumes significance because Annexure-II forms the foundation of rehabilitation entitlement under SRA projects. Any alteration, revision, or dispute involving eligibility records can directly affect the allocation of rehabilitation flats, transit benefits, and future ownership rights.
Urban redevelopment experts say transparency in Annexure-II processes is critical because disputes over eligibility often become the most contentious component of slum rehabilitation projects.
TheNews21 has simultaneously initiated efforts to obtain additional records through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, including: original and revised Annexure-II lists, records of additions and deletions, eligibility approval orders, rehabilitation allotment records, and related proceedings before authorities.
TheNews21 had initially attempted to contact senior officials of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) regarding concerns emerging from the documents reviewed during this investigation. While calls made by this publication were initially not answered and a text message seeking clarification was sent, an SRA official subsequently contacted TheNews21 and stated that issues related to eligibility verification and inclusion of occupants in Annexure-II records fall under the jurisdiction of the competent authority from the Revenue Department. The official further claimed that any alleged inclusion of ineligible occupants or disputes regarding beneficiary verification were required to be examined by the concerned revenue authorities. TheNews21 has not independently verified these claims.
At this stage, TheNews21 has not independently concluded whether any illegality or procedural violation took place. However, the documents reviewed raise important public-interest questions regarding transparency, due process, and the integrity of beneficiary verification mechanisms in long-pending SRA projects.
Given the scale of Mumbai’s slum rehabilitation ecosystem and the importance of rehabilitation rights, transparency in beneficiary verification remains a matter of significant public interest.
TheNews21 is withholding certain names and documentary details at this stage as the investigation and independent verification process is ongoing.
TheNews21 will continue examining official records, allotment documents, and eligibility proceedings linked to the project as part of this ongoing investigation.
