Mumbai: The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is carrying out a biometric survey of hutments near the Navy Nagar area.
The step has been undertaken after the Navy requested the state government to conduct the survey, saying that the height of these hutments could pose a threat to the INS Shikra among others.
The issue of rehabilitation will be looked into after the conclusion of the survey.
The height of hutments has been an issue, especially with security forces including the Navy.
Just last year, the Navy asked that a survey be carried out of the area near INS Shikra. Since then, the Navy had been following-up for the same, revealed sources from the Mantralaya.
“The Navy has asked for the survey, saying that the height of the hutments is a security concern and threat for the Navy,” said Shivajirao Jondhale, collector of Mumbai city.
After completion of all formalities by the Navy, the state government asked the SRA to carry out the biometric survey of Navy Nagar.
A SRA official said, “We have initiated the biometric survey of Geeta Nagar, Azad Nagar and Sunder Nagar in March this year, as per instructions from the state government. Azad Nagar and Sunder Nagar residents have asked for a meeting before the survey.”
As the model code of conduct in force, the meeting could not take place, the official said.
“The numbering of hutments in Azad Nagar and Sunder Nagar has been completed. The biometric survey of Geeta Nagar is underway. Survey of 1,295 out of 1,421 hutments has been carried out. The survey and biometric work was stopped because many officers were on election duty,” said the official.
The collector said, “We are only looking after the survey work. Especially Geeta Nagar, which is near the Navy area. Rehabilitation of the families residing near the area is the Navy’s concern. In one meeting, Navy officials said that the decision about rehabilitation will be taken by the ministry of defence.”
