Cuffe Parade locals complain against encroachments

The Cuffe Parade Residents Association (CPRA) has slammed the government authorities for turning a blind eye against the encroachments in their locality. The residents fear that the local chawl mafia might encroach their land.

A letter written to Sampada Mehta, Mumbai Collector, complains that the land belonging to the government at the Bayview Marina garden and at Machhimar nagar in Cuffe Parade has been encroached. Despite fighting a legal battle, the residents have not received any relief from the encroachment.

"The government land has been occupied illegally at the backwaters and the number of slums and structures are increasing steadily. Repeated complaints and cases filed by us has not yielded any results," said Padmakar Nandekar, Secretary General, CPRA.

"The illegal slums are mushrooming on the government land and has received support from the government authorities which is also a security threat as any terror activity can take place as the land is close to sea," said Nandekar.

Another CPRA member said, "We are made to run from pillar to post to fight against the chawl mafias who are now hand in gloves with the authorities. The government apathy is evident as they openly threaten the residents whenever we approach them."

Written plea

A letter written to Sampada Mehta, Mumbai Collector, complains that the land belonging to the government at the Bayview Marina garden and at Machhimar nagar in Cuffe Parade has been encroached. Residents have not received any relief.