Developer-residents dispute takes dirty turn in Khar

Spread across 140 acres, Jawahar Nagar in Khar (West) is one of the biggest areas open for redevelopment under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority’s (SRA) jurisdiction. But after two incidents of debates between residents and the developer for the area, resident Datta Mane was beaten up by unknown miscreants on Sunday afternoon. Mane has lodged a police complaint.

The past week has seen heavy police presence in the area. While angry residents are not in a mood to give up their land, the developer’s men and officials from the district collector’s office have been trying to go ahead with demolition work.

Jawahar Nagar has close to 1,554 slums, divided into many colonies. In 2000, Madhu Constructions was appointed as private developer by Ganeshkrupa housing colony. But residents allege a tripartite agreement was signed by some residents with the developer, without taking the mandatory 70% consent. In March 2008, by way of another agreement, the project was handed over to Shivalik Ventures, another developer by Madhu Constructions.
According to Arvind Guruji and Prerana Gaikwad, who brought the discrepancies to light, Shivalik Ventures has been involved in a number of irregularities.

They added that as per SRA norms, a transit camp has to be provided within 300 metres of the area. But the developer has offered the residents a transit camp at Golibar Road, which is in a mess. The developer could not be reached for comments.