Campa Cola: Some relief , but no celebrations yet

While no celebrations broke out at the compound on Friday, a sense of relief was evident. “We see this as a very positive development. Earlier, we weren’t allowed to approach anyone for relief. Now, at least the court has allowed us speak to the state government and BMC,” said Devyani Jayakar, a resident of Orchid Apartments.

For residents of Mid Town Apartments, which has the largest number of illegally constructed floors, the latest order brings to an end what has been a “traumatic” legal process. “The order has brought us a lot of relief. This is the final order. There will be no more hearings. We have paid part of the penalty and now expect to be asked to pay the rest, plus interest. We already possess deemed conveyance. We will seek an appointment with the CM after which our homes will hopefully be regularised,” said resident Nandini Mehta.

Mehta and her neighbours say that life without essentials has been “difficult”, but they have learned to live with it. “In the day time, we charge our phones and lights on the ground floor lobby. And at night, we use emergency lights. We use gas cylinders now. As for water, we fill buckets in homes below the fifth floor. There is no division between those living above and below the fifth floor,” said 17th resident Ankit Garg.

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