An eerie calm enveloped Girgaum as roads were easily accessible, taxis were gliding and people were not bumping into each other. Barring pharmacies and ATMs, no stores were open and college students had to turn their backs on closed eateries.
An eerie calm enveloped Girgaum as roads were easily accessible, taxis were gliding and people were not bumping into each other. Barring pharmacies and ATMs, no stores were open and college students had to turn their backs on closed eateries.
Salim Machiwala, a seafood businessman, had come for his routine exercise to a fitness clubhouse. "I did not know there was a bandh today to oppose the Metro 3 project. I think it will benefit more people than the people who are opposing it. It's for public good; I am against this bandh," said the Dongri resident.
Housewife Prachi Shinde, 29, was telling her son about the Shiv Sena and Bal Thackeray when he asked why everything was closed. "The government should feed the poor, put the money in education and rehabilitation of people who need it the most. The metro will not benefit people here," she said.
Opposite St Theresa church, a florist was open for business. "How will I provide the flowers for tomorrow? It's Thursday and people will need it for the temples, workplaces and houses. I need to work today. The Metro will benefit people but people are not being rehabilitated in the same area. This area is peaceful and has all amenities. There are hospitals, vegetable stores, railway stations, bus stops and no water problems," said Avinash Marutijangam, 49, whose house in Girgaum is at least 70 years old.
Lakshmi Chandra has been living in the Khotachiwadi area since he was 14. The area houses heritage buildings, some made by the Portuguese. The 60-year-old was apprehensive: "The metro should come but the state has not told us when and where they will rehabilitate us. What if people are removed and then not given a place to stay?"
When asked of the probable name change of the area which may take place to bring in 'cultural unity', all were of the opinion that it won't make much difference. Avinash said that people will still call it Girgaum and Chandra said cultural unity already exists in the area. Machiwala said: "It looks like a ploy to divide and rule just like the British did. Politicians just need some cause to stay active and in limelight to run their party."
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