Pointers

During the 1992-93 riots, Jogeshwari was burning like a coal mine 8212; a time when the average Jogeshwarikar faced tremendous communal tension. The atmosphere was vitiated. It was only after August 15, 1993, that Hindu-Muslim leaders arranged a prabhatferi to lighten the mood. Police officers also gave permission to spread the message of brotherhood. From that day Jogeshwari came to normalcy. Since then the mohalla committees help maintain peace here.

The 17 buildings constructed near Poonam Nagar under the Prime Minister Grand Project are facing immense problems. For widening of the Jogeshwari-Vikroli Link Road, 940 families were shifted here. By 1990-91, people took possession but found that the construction work wasn8217;t up to the mark. Residents went to MHADA for justice, but in vain. Now, after eight years, they fear their buildings may collapse any time. Water leakage and weak foundation are threatening their lives, says Sudhakar Pawaskar and Chandrakant Sawant, leaders of Nagri Seva Sangh, an apex bodyof flat owners.They rue: quot;Apart from bad construction, the builder didn8217;t even provide a health centre, society hall and a school as per the agreement. There8217;s neither a boundary wall nor a terrace, which has led to four accidental deaths in the past. And the most dangerous thing is that for the drainage of 17 buildings there8217;s just one septic tank. This tank burst twice during 1994 and once in 1995 because it doesn8217;t have an outlet. According to Pawaskar, to strengthen every building they need Rs 2.5 lakh each. quot;After having spent all our savings, how can we now afford further expenditure,quot; he adds.Jogeshwari East, with a population of two lakh, was a jungle initially. In 1930, a Hindu Monk, Swami Krishnanand Sherwale, came to live here. A devotee of Lord Shiva, he started cleaning up the cave which was famous for the Shiva Temple. Many people from Uttar Pradesh settled in Jogeshwari due to his patronage. He once asked one of his rich disciples to build a bridge on Majas Nullah. The bridge is still usefulfor people today. Like Swamiji, another man served the cause of Jogeshwari. Former Shiv Sena corporator Rajeshwar Raginwar. This Master of Marine Engineering joined Sena in the Sixties. From 1968 to 1993 he was an active corporator. With the help of locals, he undertook various projects like building a crematorium, constructing main roads and a garden. Even now this one-time warrior, despite his various ailments, goes on his daily walk through the roads and gullies of Jogeshwari. He says: quot;I like to see the present-day Jogeshwari in its myriad forms.quot;