The first line of metro between Versova and Ghatkopar may bring a smile to the face of many Mumbaikars, but for the 101 families residing in the Sarvoday quarters, the metro means losing their homes.
The first line of metro between Versova and Ghatkopar may bring a smile to the face of many Mumbaikars, but for the 101 families residing in the Sarvoday quarters, the metro means losing their homes. The families, residing opposite the Sarvoday charitable trust hospital since the 1960s, allege that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has not looked into the issue of their resettlement.
According to Mangesh Naik, president, Sarvoday Janvikas Sangh - a group floated by the residents - the MMRDA as well as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already issued them warnings. The residents have been told to evacuate as the dilapidated condition of the building won’t be able to bear the tremors once the metro construction work begins.
“Unfortunately we have not been provided any temporary accommodation by the authorities. Our building was constructed in 1969 and already declared dilapidated by the BMC two years back. The flats in the building are not on ownership basis and we are already entangled in a legal dispute with the trust,” Naik said. He added that though member of parliament Sanjay Dina Patil has supported them by asking the MMRDA to look into the issue, there is still no solution in sight.
Joint metropolitan commissioner Ashwini Bhide, however, told DNA that the authority has already agreed to shift the residents in other temporary accommodation so that the metro work near Ghatkopar station can be speeded up. “But since the land and building belong to the Sarvoday trust, it is the responsibility of the trust to shift its tenants. We have already had several meetings and discussions with the residents and the BMC. But, the issue needs to be resolved fast keeping in mind the metro deadline,” Bhide said.
In the meantime, the residents have written to the chief minister asking him to intervene and resolve the issue.
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