Patkar,others oppose slum demolition

Social activist Medha Patkar and around 100 others were detained and later released by Nirmal Nagar police on Thursday morning. Patkar and the residents of Golibar slum settlement in Santacruz east were protesting the demolition of several homes for a Slum Rehabilitation Authority project.

As per the High Court order,the police and MHADA officials,along with Shivalik Builders who has been carrying out a Slum Rehabilitation Scheme for the area,entered Ganesh Krupa Society on Thursday to carry out the demolition. Slumdwellers,who have been asked by the court to vacate their houses,resisted the demolition and were detained by the police. Protestors said they were not being given alternate accommodation in transit camps.

Senior Police Inspector NP Rane of the Vakola traffic police division said,“There was a protest at Golibar area and residents had come out on the Western Expressway causing traffic snarl for a few minutes. Soon a police team reached the spot and protestors were removed.”