Residents of Mahul village near Chembur formed a human chain in Vidyavihar to mark International Human Rights Day to voice their grievances regarding their rehabilitation.
Close to 15,000 people staying in slums along the Tansa Pipeline were rehabilitated in the Eversmile complex in Mahul after their homes were demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on orders from the Bombay High Court. The residents have since then been suffering from various health disorders due to the proximity of the complex to the industrial area, which is filled with refineries, chemical and fertiliser plants, petroleum companies and industrial units.
Around 150 of the residents, including adults and children, formed a human chain near Somaiya College in Vidyavihar to register their protest, which on Monday entered its 44th day.
One of the protestors, Deepika More (46), said, “The court has passed its order but we are waiting for the government’s decision. The living conditions in Mahul are pathetic. We request the government to take a decision at the earliest.”
The HC had in March this year asked the State government to allot temporary accommodation on an ad hoc basis to the residents, who have been suffering from a wide range of health disorders since they moved to Mahul. “After shifting to Mahul, my mother-in-law has been suffering mental disorders. My son has been diagnosed with tuberculosis. It is difficult to live in such a place where hygiene is not maintained properly,” Anita Gurav (50) said.
“We do not ask for anything more than our homes. They demolished our houses and rehabilitated us to a place where one cannot live. How is this justified?,” Kalimun Seth (50) asked. The residents also live in constant fear of industrial mishaps, particularly after a boiler exploded in an industrial unit in Mahul in August this year.
Expressing concern for the future generations, Sakina Chatta (55) said, “We have lived our life but what about our kids? They are suffering too. Moreover, we have a fear that the boilers might explode again.”
Cause for concern
Other concerns include lack of basic infrastructure like buses, hospitals, clean water and a working sewage system. “When I used to stay in the Vidyavihar slums, it was easy for me to reach my college. Now, I have to miss first two classes and my grades have dipped because it has become difficult for me to study in such an environment. Moreover, there is no proper transport facility from here,” said Namrata Kamble (18), a student of Kirti College.
The residents have now decided to take the matter to Mantralaya and protest outside the secretariat if a decision is not taken by December 13, said Dhondudattaram Parab (53). Swaraj Gadge (10), the youngest protestor, said, “We want our houses back We will protest till our demands are met.”