Municipal corporation’s proposal sparks outcry; MLA Jitendra Awhad vows to fight for affected families
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — Nearly 45,000 residents of Kalwa neighbourhood in Maharashtra’s Thane District are staring at the prospect of homelessness due to a controversial development plan proposed by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The plan involves the construction of a road through a densely populated housing society. It has sparked widespread outrage and protests among locals.
On Sunday, hundreds of affected residents gathered near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Kalwa to voice their opposition to the plan. The protesters, led by Dr Jitendra Awhad, MLA from Kalwa and National General Secretary of the NCP (Sharad Pawar group), demanded the immediate rejection of the plan, which they claim has been drafted without considering the welfare of the citizens.
Addressing the crowd, the MLA alleged that the plan was designed with a “specific objective” that prioritises infrastructure over people’s lives. “The urban administration has prepared a new development plan that will destroy the entire area of Kalwa and Kharigaon. This plan has been prepared blindly, proposing a road over 350 to 400 buildings in cooperative housing societies. If this road is built, 45,000 residents will become homeless,” he said.
The MLA also highlighted that he had raised the issue during the last assembly session, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised an investigation. However, no action has been taken so far. “If this plan is not rejected, we will launch a public movement against it. We are against any development that comes at the cost of displacing the residents of Kalwa and Kharigaon,” Dr Awhad declared.
The protesters, carrying placards and shouting slogans against the TMC, expressed their frustration over what they called a “lack of planning” by the civic administration. “We have lived here for decades. How can they just decide to build a road through our homes without consulting us,” asked a resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
Dr. Awhad further stated that the issue would be raised in the upcoming government meeting. “We will seek a response from the government and ensure that the voices of the affected families are heard,” he said.
The protest saw the presence of several prominent figures, including NCP (Sharad Pawar) city president Sahas Desai, former opposition leader Milind Patil, working president Prakash Patil, former corporator Mahesh Salvi, and Aparna Salvi, among others.
As the controversy escalates, the residents of Kalwa remain determined to fight for their homes. “This is not just about a road; it’s about our lives and our future. We will not let anyone take away our homes without a fight,” said another protester.
