Allegations of forced consent, exploitation surface in Dharavi survey
Congress MP Varsha Gaekwad accuses Adani surveyors of coercing consent to displace poor
Mumbai: Congress Member of Parliament Varsha Gaekwad has leveled serious accusations against the ongoing survey in Dharavi, alleging that senior citizens and disabled residents are being coerced and exploited by surveyors.
In a scathing post on X, Gaekwad claimed that surveyors are preying on vulnerable residents, particularly when younger family members are away, and are forcibly obtaining consent.
Gaekwad's post on X, carrying hashtags like #ModaniHataoMumbaiBachao and #Dharavi included video and audio evidence to support her claims. She stated that an Adani surveyor was allegedly caught on audio instructing a colleague to "hold the hand and put it up" to forcibly obtain an old lady's thumb impression on a consent form. Another family reportedly described how disabled members were harassed and survey numbers were affixed to their homes without their consent.
The MP characterised the alleged actions as "state-sponsored exploitation" and a "fraudulent 'survey'," asserting that the real "master plan" is to "scare, manipulate, and evict" poor families to "gift Mumbai's heartland to one man: Modi's best friend, Adani."
Gaekwad demanded an immediate halt to the survey, declaring, "Dharavi will not bow. We stand with our elders. We stand against Adani Sarkar."
SHOCKING! This is not a survey, this is state-sponsored exploitation. See this video.
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) July 16, 2025
In Kamala Nagar, Dharavi, when families refused to give in to Adani Sarkar’s lies, they waited till the young were away at work — and then preyed on our elders.
Old, frail senior citizens were… pic.twitter.com/IaCCqfpvDa
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, led by the Maharashtra government and Adani Group, aims to redevelop one of Asia's largest slums into a modern urban center. However, critical opposition arises from deep-seated concerns over the project's true intent and its impact on residents. Critics argue the project is primarily a profit-driven land grab, not genuine urban upliftment, pointing to alleged coercive tactics during surveys and insufficient rehabilitation plans. Key grievances include inadequate proposed housing (350 sq ft), potential displacement of a vibrant informal economy, and a lack of transparency and resident consultation in the planning and execution phases.
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Yenepoya University conducts autism awareness campaign in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The Department of Occupational Therapy at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) conducted a community-based Autism Awareness Campaign at Fiza Mall and Ullal Beach in the city.
The campaign was aimed at promoting awareness, inclusion, and early identification of autism, in line with the global theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.”
The programme was led by Dr. Dhayanithi K and Dr. Ananya Jana as organising chairpersons, with Dr. Anas, Dr. Amanda S. Phillip, and Dr. Ansu V. David served as organising members.
Students of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme participated in conducting the campaign.
The event included activities such as flash mobs, street plays, face painting, mehendi, and direct interaction with the public.
These activities focused on highlighting early signs of autism, the need for early intervention, and the importance of inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism.
The campaign reached around 300 to 500 members of the public. It also provided students with practical exposure to community-based rehabilitation and public health education.
As part of the initiative, QR-based digital resources were introduced to help the public access reliable information on autism.
“Awareness is the first step towards inclusion, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes,” the organising team said.
The department thanked the university for its support in organising the campaign. It also acknowledged the cooperation of the management of Fiza Mall and the Ullal Beach Police Department in facilitating the event.
