Transit camps too far away from home and work, say residents

Transit camps and their unavailability near the dilapidated buildings have been one of the biggest hindrances for tenants, who then choose not to vacate their homes. They prefer to stay back in dangerous homes, because of the fear that if they move to the suburbs, they will never return to their original location. However, state government is trying to find a solution.

They have asked for nearly 100 acres of land from Mumbai Port Trust, to construct transit camps. (As reported by DNA: Maharashtra Wants Mumbai Port Trust Land for Housing, dated Sepetmber 13) State Minister for Housing Ravindra Waikar wrote to Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources in this regard, earlier this month.

There are around 16,000 cessed buildings in the south of the city and most are dilapidated and dangerous in inhabit. However, tenants continue to stay because transit camps are available in Sion, Vikhroli, and the western suburbs. If the 100 acre land is made available, the government will construct transit camps here, which will be close to their original homes and many wouldn't mind leaving their dilapidated homes.

Even in the case of Chawate building, tenants claim that they have work in South Mumbai near their homes and hence they be given transit accommodation closeby. "My work is next to my house within Girgaum, my neighbour Ramchandra Joshi also works in the nearby temple. if we are moved out of this area, the commute will be too much," said Narendra Pisat.