Demolition leaves many roofless
MUMBAI: The plan to tile the footpath on Pandurang Budhkar Marg has left many roofless.
The BMC cleared the footpath of slums on Thursday in a demolition drive that started in the noon. Tar sheets, bricks, vessels, a picture of Goddess Lakshmi – the remnants of what were once homes for many were strewn on the roadside.
For Dashrath Chavan, all that was left of his home was a wall with a mirror hanging on it.
“They have thrown us out of our homes like dogs. Where do we go now? If these were not our homes, then why have they given us voting cards? The moment the police came for demolition, our leader ran away.”
Sudhir Nalavade, police inspector, NM Joshi Marg said, “We are here to maintain law and order. The slum dwellers don’t seem to understand that we are just doing our duty. However, a police officer added, “They should be given alternative accommodation.”
MD Sawant, ward officer of the area, said this was one of the worst encroached patches in the city, “They always threaten to immolate their kids, making it difficult for our action to continue. We spend the whole day demolishing the huts, but I’m sure they will be back tomorrow.”
Bhim Pawar, a slum-dweller said, “When the BMC demolished our houses last time, we had to sleep on the road. Four people died in process. We are scared now for our kids, for our loved ones.”