Over 200 people from Nigdi gathered at their local municipal office on Tuesday to protest against a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project in Ward 16. These residents, who come from 156 families living in Ambedkar Nagar, are worried about not getting enough money for their homes and believe their rights are being ignored.
During the protest, which lasted three hours, the leaders showed that 87% of the residents have lived there for more than 25 years. They say this means they should get bigger homes according to SRA rules. But the current plan gives everyone a small 269-square-foot home, no matter how big their old home was. The protesters argue that this is unfair.
Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Patil spoke with five representatives from the protesting families. They gave him a 22-page document explaining what they want. The document says that 42% of families live in homes larger than 400 square feet, so the new plan would make their living space smaller.
The SRA project is worth Rs. 156 crore and plans to build two tall towers on a 2.8-acre land. Out of all the new homes, 70% will go to the residents, and 30% will be sold. The developer, Sunshine Constructions, said the project would be done in 36 months, but the residents are doubtful because the company has been late on other projects.
So far, 23 families have accepted the new offer, which has caused some disagreements among the residents. However, most of them want bigger homes of at least 365 square feet and a higher rent of Rs. 25,000 a month during the building time, instead of the Rs. 15,000 being offered.
Commissioner Patil promised that a special group will look into the residents’ requests. This group will include SRA officials, municipal workers, and residents. They’ll give their suggestions in 45 days, and until then, no one will be moved from their homes.
The protesters said they’ll take the issue to the state housing department if their needs aren’t met.
