We have nowhere to go, are determined to fight it out: Campa Cola residents

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan’s appeal to residents of the illegal floors in Campa Cola Compound to “cooperate with the BMC” through the demolition process has broken many hearts.

In an attempt to save the residents’ homes, an all-party leaders’ delegation had called on Chavan on Monday night. However, while refusing to go against the Supreme Court verdict ordering the demolition of the unauthorised flats, the chief minster appealed to its occupants to cooperate with the civic body.

“I could not sleep the throughout the night. I have been restless over the past few months, but last night, our troubles only deepened,” said Atul Hirawat, a resident of Orchid apartments.

Hirawat added that despite this setback, residents will continue to put up a fight to save their houses. “I could see people packing up. We have kept our belongings ready, but we are not moving out. We are determined to fight,” Hirawat said.

He added despite staying up all night, the residents were there during the day, blocking the entry points to the buildings. They had even parked their cars at the access points in the morning.

“Although we are tired, both mentally and physically, we did not leave, nor did not sit inside our homes. We have nowhere to go, and we will not stop fighting till the authorities listen to our litany,” Hirawat said.