India, June 10 -- At least 40 people can be seen seated under the foot-overbridge connecting Garib Nagar, in Bandra East, to the railway station, every day sheltering from the harsh sun. They are not homeless, but owners of 100 houses, whose illegally constructed upper floors are being demolished by the Western Railway (WR).

After the large-scale razing of unauthorised homes in Garib Nagar concluded on May 23, WR set a deadline of May 25-27 to complete the demolition of the upper floors of the 100 legal houses. But over 10 days since the deadline, families continue to live amid rubble, devoid of basic services such as water and power, which were disconnected on May 19 ahead of the drive. Residents allege the basic amenities have not been...