SMC8217;s demolition drive draws flak

The entire one-and-a-half km stretch from the Ganesh temple to the Shakti Jai locality had been widened to 80 ft. While all slums have been cleared the buidlings on the plot have been untouched inviting the wrath of the slum-dwellers who allege that the SMC was biased in carrying out demolitions.

8220;We had sought 15 days time for shifting on our own but the civic authorities turned down our request,8221; Nayajibhai, a resident of Navi Ambawadi told Express Newsline claiming that he had been living in Ambawadi for the past more than 25 years. Even former state minister Thakor Naik had requested the civic authorities to give two weeks time to the residents, he claimed.

He alleged that there were no water, electricity and drainage facilities at the alternate site.Nayajibhai said slum-dwellers could not construct huts because it cost between Rs 25,000 to 30,000. Moreover, most of the building material had been damaged in the demolition, he said.

Slums-dwellers of Navi Ambwadi claimed that Municipal Commissioner S Jagadeesan had assured them 8220;all possible help8221; for rehabilitation. 8220;Each family was assured free food for one month, Rs 3000 cash, 1000 bricks and cement but we have got nothing,8221; they claimed. The commissioner could not be contacted as he was out of station.

When contacted, Varachha zonal incharge and City Development Officer Jivan Patel denied that the civic chief had promised food, cash and other sundry things. 8220;There is no such provision to provide food to those who illegally occupy land. Slums-dwellers are provided with food only when the demolition is on,8221; Patel said.

He also claimed that all slum-dwellers had been provided civic amenities. 8220;Water is available in Navi Ambawadi. Handpumps have been installed at Ambwadi where each family has been allotted a 10 X 15 ft plot8221;, Patel said.