Not using Mahul bldgs may hamper other projects

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the state government are shifting project-affected persons (PAPs) of almost all the projects to Mahul, where 72 buildings are in ready position and stopping government authorities from shifting PAPs of other projects to Mahul could affect the progress of those projects. In the meantime, shifting of some PAPs also faces political interference due to fear of loss of vote bank.

There have been instances of politicians attempting to stall the process of demolition of structures at various places so that they build trust amongst their vote bank and do not lose voters.

Though civic authorities were able to carry on demolition drive thanks to the intervention of the court, many people do not wish to move far away from their current residence or place of work and shift to Mahul.

Some of the buildings that are fully occupied at Mahul have PAPs who have moved there due to removal of encroachment from Tansa pipeline for preventing contamination of water supplied to the city by the civic body.

“My house was demolished at Ghatkopar due to the Tansa pipeline and I have been allotted a room at Mahul but since my grandchildrens’ school is in Ghatkopar we have not shifted to Mahul. We have arranged an accommodation in Ghatkopar itself,” said Maruti Salaskar.

Mr Salaskar had even approached the Bombay high court against the BMC’s demolition drive at Khandoba Tekri in Bhattwadi at Ghatkopar.

Mr Salaskar also said that while some people have shifted there, they are not happy with the living condition available there.