This study is based on the rehabilation and resettlement impact on Mumbai’s marginalised communities, with a special focus on Dalit (Scheduled Caste) and Muslim (Religious minorities). Various infrastructure projects are undertaken annually to support the city’s development and beautification. However, while performing these projects, the houses of marginalised communities were demolished. A displacement process occurred, and these displaced communities mainly resettled on the city’s periphery, 25- 30 km from their original homes. Various studies have examined the impact of slum rehabilitation and resettlement on communities. However, from the perspectives of gender and marginalised communities, this issue remains under-researched. This study draws on secondary literature and is based on a pilot study conducted from September 2024 to December 2024, followed by ethnographic fieldwork from January 2025 to June 2025.

During participant observation and interviews, it was observed that women, older people, and other marginalised communities in the resettlement colony, after displacement, face many challenges, including limited access to livelihood opportunities. Loneliness, nighttime security concerns, and the lack of a neighbourhood and socio-cultural environment create social sustainability issues.

In addition, due to a toxic, poorly built environment, congested, tight, packed building structures, and inadequate maintenance, many people suffer from various health-related problems such as asthma, skin diseases, tuberculosis, stress, suffocation, cancer, and more. Also, due to caste and religious identity, some conflicts arise in communities, including hierarchy and dominance by women of other castes that they have to face in their daily lives.

This study aims to guide policymakers and urban planners toward sustainable housing solutions by emphasising the participation of women and marginalised communities as key to community health, green infrastructure and a self-redevelopment housing model.