Slum dwellers under the Dhakuria flyover are staging sit-in demonstrations to protest eviction notices issued without any rehabilitation plan. The community faces extreme uncertainty amid monsoon rains.

Key Takeaways

  • 58 families residing under the Dhakuria bridge face imminent eviction.
  • Women domestic workers have launched a 24-hour sit-in protest.
  • Lack of a rehabilitation plan has sparked widespread fear and anger.
  • The Calcutta High Court has provided only a single-day stay on the notice.

The women of the slum located under the Dhakuria bridge in South Kolkata have launched a fierce resistance against eviction notices that offer no guarantee of rehabilitation. Since Tuesday, residents have been staging a 24-hour sit-in demonstration, struggling to protect their homes amidst the heavy monsoon rains of Bengal.

According to local activists, at least 58 families live in this settlement, with 43 possessing valid documents to prove their residency. Sapna Tripathi, a member of the West Bengal Domestic Workers Union, highlighted the atmosphere of terror, noting that late-night police intimidation has left the community in constant fear of losing their shelter.

Read Also:Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Calls for Restraint on Campus Wall Graffiti

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this conflict represents a growing tension between urban 'beautification' projects and the rights of the urban poor. As cities expand, the very workforce that maintains high-rise luxury—domestic helpers, drivers, and security guards—is being systematically pushed out of the urban fabric.

"Will these houses which employ us function without us cooking, cleaning, and driving? Why does development exclude us?" - Bibha Naskar, Secretary, West Bengal Domestic Workers Union.

The psychological toll is immense. A local college student shared that the constant anxiety of displacement has crippled her ability to concentrate on her studies, raising urgent questions about the humanitarian cost of administrative decisions.

Historical Background

Since the political shift in West Bengal in May 2026, there has been a documented increase in 'bulldozer actions' and evictions targeting hawkers and slum dwellers. This trend has drawn sharp criticism from human rights activists and opposition leaders who claim the crackdown disproportionately affects the most vulnerable sections of society.

Did You Know?: Nearly 90% of the women in the Dhakuria slum settlement work as domestic helps in the surrounding upscale residential localities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Has any legal relief been granted to the residents?
The residents approached the Calcutta High Court and received a stay order, but it was only valid for a single day.

2. What is the primary demand of the protesters?
The protesters are demanding a formal rehabilitation plan and a hearing of their grievances before any eviction takes place.