Residents of Darukhana in Mumbai’s eastern waterfront area are preparing for another round of demolition action scheduled from Tuesday, even as several political leaders have written to authorities seeking relief and rehabilitation for affected families.
The demolition notices were issued in April to nearly 120 residents living along New Tank Bundar Road on land owned by the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA). Officials have stated that all encroachments on port land are being cleared and that additional settlements in the area are also likely to face similar action.
An earlier demolition attempt on April 28 was halted after protests by residents. However, locals now claim that police presence in the area has increased ahead of the renewed operation.
“The police have informed us that the demolitions are due to take place on May 12 and 13, and that we should not cause any law and order situation,” said Shanti Ravi from the Mumbai Port Ghar Haqq Sangharsh Samiti. “Police presence in the area has been increasing day by day, and people are scared. We are not sure how we are going to defend our homes tomorrow.”
Another resident, Durai Raj, alleged that residents had been warned of FIRs if they resisted the eviction process. Activists also claimed that another 50 to 75 houses nearby have been identified for demolition.
Several politicians, including MP Arvind Sawant, MP Milind Deora, and MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha, have written to the Mumbai Port Authority and state government seeking a humane rehabilitation policy for long-term residents.
In his letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and police authorities, Sawant referred to rehabilitation provisions under the PMAY-U scheme and urged authorities to formulate a policy for residents living on central government land.
Meanwhile, Deora requested the MbPA chairman to consider rehabilitation measures, while Lodha sought the postponement of the demolition and arranged a meeting with officials.
Residents have also approached the city’s civil court seeking relief, though they were only able to register their appeal on Monday. “We are resigned to our fate,” Raj said.
Source: The Indian Express
