Golibar locals to take out anti-Patkar rally

One of the most delayed slum rehabilitation projects in the city - the Golibar redevelopment project - seems to be heading towards another controversy. While social activists working with the ‘Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan’ of Medha Patkar have been fighting a battle against what they refer to as “irregularities” of the developer, some of the residents have planned a morcha against Patkar and her activists on Sunday.

With a total area that is close to one fifth of that of Dharavi slums, the Golibar redevelopment project is considered to be one of the biggest in the city. While the 46 societies in the area have been involved in a fierce battle with the developer - Shivalik Ventures - many residents also feel that activists such as Medha Patkar are not helping the cause either. “We have been anxiously waiting to move into better houses. However, those opposing the project seem to be doing so without any valid reason. Even we supported the agitation to a point, but not anymore,” say residents Ulhas Mulik and Rajendra Gaikwad. 

However, Simprit Singh of the ‘Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan’ called the planned morcha a farce. “Many of these members who are against our organisation and Medha Patkar have been promised more than a single tenement by the developer and some are even on his payroll. Since they have been lured with promises, they are getting aggressive. However, the very fact that the demolition notices under section 33 (38) have been served to more than 50% of the slum dwellers in Golibar is indicative enough that their consent has not been taken,” said Singh.