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Dockyard building collapse: A year on, survivors still awaiting justice

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Survivors of the collapsed four-storey Babu Genu Market building in Dockyard visit the site to pay homage to their loved ones on Saturday
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It is a travesty of justice. The survivors of Dockyard building collapse have reportedly been denied the aid they had been promised by former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan who stepped down on Friday, and the then mayor of Mumbai, Sunil Prabhu.

When did the incident occur?
On Sept 27, 2013 the four-storey Babu Genu Market building in Dockyard came tumbling down and 61 people were killed and 30 others injured. A majority of the occupants were BMC employees.

Why is aid being denied?
According to the survivors, the govt is now denying them monetary aid because Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has already extended them financial support. They are disappointed not only with Chavan, but ex-mayor Sunil Prabhu as well. Prabhu had promised to rehabilitate them.

What were they offered?
Soon after the tragedy, Prithviraj Chavan announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for each person dead. BMC offered Rs 2 lakh compensation per each person dead, plus jobs to those in real need. And special leave were announced for civic staffer-residents to help them get over the personal crisis.

What have they got so far?
Of ten cases, four people have been offered jobs. To add insult to injury, the special leave announced for civic staffer-residents are now being treated as normal leave.

A survivor speaks...
Tushar Pawar lost his parents and sister in the ill-fated incident. BMC promised Pawar, the lone surviving member of his family, a job. But he is yet to get it. "It was the worst thing that could happen to anyone. Many of us who are surviving today are still finding it difficult to cope with what happened a year ago. The apathy shown by the government and BMC is more painful," said Pawar, who spoke to dna after attending a prayer meet organized in the memory of the deceased.

Was there an inquiry?
There was. However, residents aren't satisfied. "It has been a year and the corporation is yet to publish the inquiry report. People against whom cases were filed in connection with the incident are now out on bail. When are we going to get justice", asked Chandrashekhar Jadhav, one of the survivors. According to a senior civic official, the probe report will soon be tabled.

What are residents demanding now?
They want permanent shelters (not at the site for emotional reasons) and jobs for those eligible. They also want those responsible for the tragedy punished. "We are not asking for more than what we are supposed to get. We will fight for justice," Pawar added.

What do Chavan, Prabhu now say?
Despite repeated attempts, Chavan could not be reached for his version of the story. Prabhu said he would pursue the matter. "I held two meetings to address their (survivors) concerns while being the mayor. I will continue to follow the matter with the civic chief (Sitaram Kunte). They should get justice," Prabhu said.

Who is to blame?
Soon after the incident, BMC suspended seven officials and initiated inquiry against 11 others. It also set up two inquires: technical and administrative. Initial (technical) investigations hinted that a decorator (Ms Mamamiya Decorator) to whom BMC had rented portion of the building's ground floor, had tampered with its pillars. It also says the structure had started disintegrating way back in 1995. The municipal markets department first brought down the walls on the ground floor to make way for a godown. According to civic officials, a BMC-appointed structural auditor also has to be held responsible as he suggested only repairs to the building, and did not recommend immediate evacuation.

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