Mumbai: Ghatkopar’s Chirag Nagar, as soon as house to famend social reformer and literary determine Lokshahir Anna Bhau Sathe, is quickly to be adorned together with his memorial. Nonetheless, its growth entails relocation of over 200 households residing in Patra Chawl, Chirag Nagar. Regardless of the residents’ help for the memorial, they continue to be at nighttime about their housing plan. They’ve demanded clarification from the authorities earlier than vacating their properties.
The proposed memorial, the Anna Bhau Sathe Analysis and Coaching Institute, has obtained approval. Through the years, a number of governments have lent their help to this undertaking, fulfilling a requirement relationship again to 1969, championed by Anna Bhau Sathe’s followers. The state authorities has allotted a funds of Rs305.62 crore for it. Nonetheless, residents spoke of being denied details about relocation on the pretext of confidentiality.
Ratnaprabha Salvi, resident of Chirag Nagar stated, “We wish new properties in the identical location. Regardless of our numerous backgrounds, we’ve peacefully coexisted on this chawl, the place Anna Bhau Sathe as soon as lived. We help the memorial however insist that residents aren’t troubled.”
Noor Jahan, aged 75 and a resident for 42 years at Patra Chawl stated, “Our household has been rooted on this neighbourhood for over 70 years. We’ve spent our complete lives right here, constructing our careers and elevating our kids. If the federal government relocates us removed from right here, it could pose important challenges as we must commute lengthy distances to work.”
Bharati Selvaraj, residing within the adjoining home to Anna Bhau Sathe’s former residence, stated, “If authorities demand that we shift from Ghatkopar to a different location, we’ll refuse to vacate our properties. We aren’t ready to relocate completely; we might contemplate a brief shift till the undertaking’s completion.”
Selvaraj stated that native representatives should convene conferences and furnish particulars transparently. “It’s unacceptable that residents of Chirag Nagar, who’ve misplaced their properties to a street widening undertaking, are relegated to transit camps in Vikhroli’s Tagore Nagar and Lakshmi Nagar even after a decade,” she stated.
Anil Sathe, nephew of Anna Bhau Sathe, voiced his outrage, “As a member of Anna Bhau’s household, I uphold his legacy of championing the underprivileged and marginalised. Regardless of comprising a major voter turnout, we’re handled as insignificant. Whereas MLA-MPs grace our locality for their very own political positive aspects, not a single consultant has bothered to tell us concerning the undertaking plan or our future dwelling preparations.”
He stated, “We refuse to be handled as disposable commodities or unlawful occupants. We categorically reject the thought of Challenge Affected Individuals (PAP) standing. We doubt that we’ll obtain satisfactory compensation or housing area. We aren’t against the memorial however we demand transparency and accountability.”