With migrants leaving, ‘vehras’ become livable for those behind

Ludhiana: In what can be termed as a breather for migrant workers living in various ‘vehras’ in the city, the present situation seems to have changed for good after a huge number of their companions living with them have left Ludhiana for their home states.
On one side, with such a large number of rooms in ‘vehras’ now falling vacant, the number of occupants living in one room have come down. The number which was earlier five-six persons per room to two-three persons now. In addition to this, the rentals per room too have fallen down in the city. As earlier per room rental was close to Rs 1,500-Rs 1,600, it has now fallen to Rs 1,000-Rs 1,200 per room.
According to Ram Khilawan, a migrant labourer living in a ‘vehra’ near Focal Point area, “There are six rooms in our ‘vehra’. Earlier, there were close to five-six persons living in each room here, but ever since the workers started going back home, now, on an average only two-three persons in one room are being allowed to live. In some rooms there are only one-two persons. The situation has changed the living conditions inside the ‘vehras’ as now with less occupants here the social distancing norms are being followed and the common facilities like washrooms, toilets are even more hygienic than before.”
Speaking to TOI, Babu Lal, who lives in another ‘vehra’ at Dhandari Kalan, “Earlier, the rent per room was being charged at Rs 1,500-1,600 per month and power charges were being charged extra. But from the start of month of June, the owners have told us that they will give discount to us and now, we will have to pay Rs 1,000-1,200 per room and power charges will be extra like earlier.”