The state government assured the 5,500 slum-dwellers of relocation at the HDIL project in Kurla on Monday.
The rehabilitated slum-dwellers residing in Mahul finally heaved a sigh of relief. The state government assured the 5,500 slum-dwellers of relocation at the HDIL project in Kurla on Monday. They were moved to Mahul in Govandi area two years ago and had since been complaining about the poor living conditions in the buildings where they are put up.
After an agitation by social worker Medha Patkar and a subsequent meeting of delegates sent by her with the Minister for Housing Prakash Mehta on Monday, the minister assured that his department would rehabilitate these residents to the HDIL project where the living conditions will be conducive.
Patkar led the delegation of Vidya Vihar slum-dwellers who were rehabilitated to Mahul following High Court order. They were rehabilitated after their slums at Vidya Vihar were razed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. A total of 425 of the slum-dwellers were rehabilitated to HDIL in Kurla, while the rest were resettled in Mahul. Lack of access to health and education facilities and pollution caused by the refinery projects in the surrounding areas have been plaguing the residents eversince.
After meeting Mehta at the Mantralya on Monday, Patkar told media persons that the government has admitted that the living conditions in Mahul are deplorable and assured to relocate the residents.
She claimed that more than 125 residents have died in the past one and a half year due to respiratory diseases. Even the High Court has directed the government authorities to relocate the families, added Patkar.
She said, "We have been assured relocation to HDIL, Kurla, or in-situ rehabilitation at Vidya Vihar."
Mehta said, "We expect the Chief Minister to take a call after deliberations with all the concerned authorities. Their relocation to HDIL is highly likely as there are properties available at this project."
NOT CONDUCIVE
Social activist Medha Patkar claimed more than 125 residents of Mahul have died in the past one and a half year due to respiratory diseases.
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