Women push back against eviction in south Kolkata slum
Women domestic workers in a Kolkata slum are protesting an eviction notice that lacks a rehabilitation plan. Despite seeking help from local political figures and filing a court case, the residents face uncertainty and fear as they struggle to maintain their homes.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the vulnerability of urban poor populations and the challenges of securing housing rights in the face of administrative development projects.
Women domestic workers of a south Kolkata slum in Dhakuria are pushing back against an eviction notice which does not ensure their rehabilitation. They have started a 24-hour sit-in demonstration under the Dhakuria flyover where they stay, since Tuesday (July 28, 2026).
At least 58 families live under the Dhakuria bridge, on one side of the road. Of these, 43 families have documents to prove their residence in the area. The slum dwellers on the other side of the bridge are yet to get an eviction notice, but many are counting days.
“They are coming in with police, central forces, police cars, and issuing notices, intimidating us late at night. Every time a police car comes by, everyone‘s face fills with fear, that they are minutes away from losing their home,” Sapna Tripathi, a member of the West Bengal Domestic Workers Union said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in