Residents form human chain for alternate accommodation

Mumbai: To protest the apathetic approach of the state and BMC authorities towards their rehabilitation, the residents of Mahul created a three-kilometre human chain in Ghatkopar on Sunday. Hundreds of residents participated in the chain, which was organised from Sindhuwadi to Kama Lane in Ghatkopar.

Thousands of people, who have been affected by infrastructure projects in the city, have been given alternate accommodation at Mahul near Chembur. But due to chemical and air pollution in the region, they have moved to court demanding alternate accommodation for better living.

Taking serious note of this, the HC had directed the government to consider the option of rehabilitating these slum dwellers at other places or providing rent amount if alternate accommodation is not available, but the government expressed its inability for this.

To protest against the state government’s stand, Mahul residents have started a ‘Save Lives’ agitation from October 28 at Ambedkar Nagar, Vidya Vihar. They also observed a ‘Black Diwali’ to register their protest. Social activist Medha Patkar too has extended her support by attending the agitation. As a part of this, the Mahul residents formed a human chain on Sunday.

“With this agitation, we wanted BMC and state government to know about the pollution problems, which has taken lives of several people in Mahul,” said Ashok Mhaskar, one of the protestors.

“We are not provided with any amenities in Mahul, but the government and BMC is still adamant of providing alternate accommodation to project affected people at Mahul only,” said Rekha Ghadge, another protestor.