The Parksite Ekta Welfare Association has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking transparency over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposed redevelopment of its ageing colony in Vikhroli and rehabilitation arrangements for 531 tenant families relocated last year.
The residents have alleged that the civic body is advancing the project without adequately consulting them. They have also challenged the proposed allotment of 405-sq-ft homes, arguing that the colony should qualify for cluster redevelopment under DCPR 33(9), which they believe would entitle them to 650-sq-ft residences.
“The court has asked the BMC to disclose the proposed redevelopment plan. We want to know what they are offering, whether they will develop under DCR 33(9) and whether it was a blacklisted contractor,” said Advocate Ajit Kenjale, representing Parksite colony tenants.
Kenjale added, “BMC has not told the tenants when construction will start and end. Moreover, it is being carried out without the residents’ consent. Additionally, the transit accommodation provided doesn’t meet basic requirements and is located far away,” Kenjale said. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on October 12.
Association president Amanat Abbas Khan said 185 of the 531 tenants had been evicted, while all 28 colony buildings were classified as “C1”, or dangerous. Thirteen buildings have been vacated, with residents moved to temporary housing in Bhandup and an LBS Marg-Vikhroli transit camp.
Khan said four buildings originally meant for BMC employees had been vacated, while occupants of the remaining buildings were being rehabilitated as project-affected persons. Residents have demanded individual registered agreements detailing rehabilitation space, transit rent, construction schedules, amenities, corpus funds and penalties for delays.
Several families have complained about inadequate sanitation, damaged solar infrastructure, poor lighting and pest problems at the temporary facilities. Some residents also reported smaller living spaces, high electricity bills and unreliable water supplies.
The BMC has acknowledged complaints about maintenance. Assistant Municipal Commissioner Jaydeep More said, “I informed the S ward in Bhandup that they are our liability and we have temporarily shifted them, so it is our responsibility,” More said.
Source: Hindustan Times
