Dhakuria Slum Eviction Notice Triggers Sit-In Protest by Women Workers in South Kolkata
Women domestic workers living in a slum under the Dhakuria bridge in south Kolkata have initiated a continuous 24-hour sit-in protest following an eviction notice. Demonstrators are demanding proper rehabilitation and an opportunity to present their grievances before any government action is taken.
What Happened
The protest began on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, under the Dhakuria flyover, where at least 58 families reside on one side of the road. According to residents, 43 of these families possess legal documentation proving their residence in the area. While residents on the opposite side of the bridge have not yet received formal eviction notices, many fear similar administrative action.
Residents described late-night visits by officials accompanied by police and central forces, which created widespread fear. To seek relief, the affected families approached the Janatar Darbar to meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, but were unable to meet him and were informed that the eviction was an administrative decision. Attempts to meet local MLA Swapan Dasgupta also proved unsuccessful. Residents subsequently filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court, which granted a one-day stay order on the eviction notice while they await a further hearing.
Key Highlights
- At least 58 families reside on one side of the road under the Dhakuria bridge, with 43 holding documentation to prove residency.
- Women domestic workers started a 24-hour sit-in demonstration on July 28, 2026, protesting eviction without rehabilitation.
- Local attempts to meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the Janatar Darbar and local MLA Swapan Dasgupta were unsuccessful.
- The Calcutta High Court granted a single-day stay order on the eviction notice, with residents awaiting another hearing.
- Nearly 90 percent of the local women work as domestic helps in neighboring residential high-rises, while men work as daily-wage laborers.
Why This Matters
The affected residents play a vital role in the local urban economy, serving as domestic helps, cooks, cleaners, drivers, and security guards for nearby residential communities. The risk of sudden displacement during the heavy monsoon rains has created severe psychological and economic strain. Students report disrupted education, and workers face lost daily wages as they take turns maintaining the protest site to protect their homes.
What to Watch Next
The residents are awaiting the next hearing in the Calcutta High Court regarding their petition against the eviction notice. The outcome of the court proceedings will determine whether the stay on administrative action is extended or if rehabilitation measures will be ordered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the residents of the Dhakuria slum protesting?
The residents, primarily women domestic workers, are protesting an eviction notice issued without any provision for alternative housing or rehabilitation.
What legal steps have the residents taken?
The residents filed a case in the Calcutta High Court and secured a one-day stay order against the eviction notice, pending further court hearings.
How many families are affected by the eviction notice?
At least 58 families living on one side of the road under the Dhakuria bridge are directly impacted, with 43 families holding proof of residence.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.