Families suffer as local authorities fail to provide immediate relief
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – The demolition of seven buildings in the Vijay Lakshmi Nagar area of Nalasopara East on the outskirts of the metropolis in Maharashtra has left residents in dire straits, with many families now homeless and struggling to find shelter as the cold season sets in. The demolitions were carried out under strict police supervision, part of an ongoing effort to clear 41 buildings marked for removal in the area. However, the first phase of demolitions has sparked significant concerns among the displaced residents, who are now left to endure harsh conditions without clear answers.
The demolitions took place along Achole Road, where seven buildings, identified as ‘C-1’, were razed to the ground. As the cold weather sets in, affected families are left to roam the streets in search of refuge, many forced to spend the night under the open sky. Those whose homes remain intact have tried to offer whatever help they could, accommodating displaced families in vacant properties. However, the most pressing concern is where these large numbers of displaced people will go next.
Rekha Tripathi, one of the residents whose home was demolished, shared her frustration, saying, “All the efforts so far have been in vain. The leaders made promises before the elections, but after the voting was over, they snatched the roof from over our heads.” She added, “Seven buildings have been demolished, and now the rents in nearby areas have increased as people are exploiting our situation. The Supreme Court has clearly stated that construction should precede demolition, yet no one is speaking up about this, and no one seems concerned.”
Muhammad Arman Sheikh, another resident whose house was destroyed, expressed his bewilderment at the situation. “Some of our belongings are scattered here, and others have been moved elsewhere. I don’t understand what to do or where to go,” he said, his voice reflecting the uncertainty that many others in the area are facing. Sheikh further described the sense of confusion, saying, “The corporation has asked us to bring documents, and those whose homes have been demolished will receive certificates. But what good will the certificates do us if we have nowhere to live?”
Ashok Singh, a local resident whose home remains intact, expressed solidarity with the affected families. “We are doing what we can to help. Those of us whose houses are still standing are offering shelter to those who have lost their homes. We will fight the next battle together,” he said, stressing the importance of community support during this difficult time.
As the demolition continues, residents in Nalasopara face an uncertain future. The lack of clear communication from authorities and the absence of immediate solutions to provide housing for the displaced have exacerbated the situation. Many fear that this crisis will only worsen as more demolitions take place, leaving more families without shelter during the cold months ahead.
With no immediate plans to address the residents’ concerns and no clear path forward, the people of Nalasopara East are left wondering what the future holds and where they can turn for help in their time of need.
