The tenants believe they will be asked to vacate the land to make way for development projects on the eastern coast of Mumbai.
Nearly 25 associations of more than 2,300 leased properties on Mumbai Port Trust land came together on Friday at Carnac Bunder to address their fears. The tenants believe they will be asked to vacate the land to make way for development projects on the eastern coast of Mumbai.
This was the first time the action committee met the tenants of these properties, that was leased by the MbPT. The tenants say they do not mind parting with the land, but should be given appropriate alternate accommodation. These properties, mostly in South Mumbai, are on the eastern front of the city, and tenants fear that MbPT will ask them to evict the plots.
Mohan Gurnani, ex-president, Federation of Associations of Maharashtra, who also spoke at the gathering, said, "We need to unite and today's meeting is about awareness. We are for development, but we also are asking the government to see to it that it doesn't result in uprooting us. The plan should consider development for all, including traders; only then can it be called a proper development. Few years ago, when the sugar market was relocated, people were allocated a place in Navi Mumbai."
Pervez Cooper, a tenant of Nazir building, located in Ballard Estate, claims that MbPT should explain their plans to the residents as well as the traders. "I am a victim, but we request the government to take a proper approach. We are only asking for a proper accommodation. Let the development work carry on as is, we aren't against it. But, we, the residents of Colaba, should be given a proper alternative to reside at by the government," he said.
Ashok Garg, of one of the members of the traders association, said, "Today, we met because not many in the area are aware about the seriousness of the issue. We are meeting to unite, because this is going to impact the business of a lot of people. We want to pressure the government. If notices are being issued to any of the residents or traders, they should act immediately. When slum dwellers are being given proper alternate accommodation, then why not those who are doing business?"
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