Navi Mumbai Slum Rehabilitation Gains Momentum; Key Players Resolve Standoff To Aid 50,000 Residents

The long-awaited biometric survey of slums in Navi Mumbai, aimed at implementing the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme, is set to recommence on Monday. This decision was announced on Saturday by SRA officials and Thane MP Naresh Mhaske, following an indefinite hunger strike led by Navi Mumbai Shiv Sena chief Vijay Chougule. The survey is expected to benefit approximately 50,000 slum dwellers by providing them with proper housing.

The survey was initially launched in September last year, following instructions from Industries Minister Uday Samant, who had previously given in-principle approval for the SRA implementation in Navi Mumbai. It commenced in the Chinchpada area of Airoli, a stronghold of Chougule, but was abruptly halted due to opposition from certain sections. Chougule has alleged that the opposition was supported by Airoli BJP MLA and former minister Ganesh Naik.

Photo Credit: PTI

On August 1, Chougule began an indefinite hunger strike to demand the continuation of the survey. His health deteriorated rapidly, and he was administered saline on Saturday. In response to his protest, shops in Airoli and nearby areas shut down, with the Shiv Sena claiming that the bandh was a spontaneous show of support for Chougule's demand.

Thane MP Naresh Mhaske, accompanied by SRA officials, visited the site of the protest on Saturday afternoon. He facilitated a conversation between Chougule, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and other officials to resolve the issue. Following these discussions, Mhaske, along with SRA officials, announced that the survey would resume on Monday and urged Chougule to end his hunger strike, which he did.

Photo Credit: PTI

Mhaske praised Chougule's dedication, stating, "Chougule was adamant on his demand despite serious health issues. The Shiv Sena has always fought for the poor, and he was doing just that for the people residing in slum areas with whom he has always been. He was ready to die for them."

He further stated, "CM Shinde sent me here to assure that he stands with Chougule's demand. Discussions have been held with the concerned officials in the government on the issue, and it has been decided that the survey will begin on Monday. We hence requested Chougule to end the fast and ready himself to ensure the process is successfully implemented."

Addressing Chougule's allegations against Naik, Mhaske said, "I appeal to all to not bring politics into this. This is not the time to take credit. Along with CM Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar have also been consulted and supported this survey."

Chougule expressed his gratitude, saying, "I thank the CM for the intervention and support extended by him, along with that of the Deputy CMs and of course Naresh Mhaske. This is the happiest day of my life. The slum colonies located from Digha to Nerul Shivaji Nagar area that fall under MIDC jurisdiction will all benefit from the scheme."

He added, "We want good houses for them and are not concerned about the FSI (Floor Space Index) which may be on par with what is being given in the nodes."

In response to the allegations, BJP Navi Mumbai chief Sandeep Naik stated, "The survey had been opposed by some sections. The allegations being made against Ganesh Naik are politically motivated by people out to score brownie points. It helps them get coverage when they take his name. The people, however, know the truth and the agenda behind such allegations."

He continued, "We want all slum dwellers till 2024 to be rehabilitated and not just those up to the cut-off dates mentioned in the scheme. Where will the others go? All stakeholders should be taken into confidence for the implementation of the scheme so that the poor actually benefit."

The Survey

An SRA official provided details of the survey, stating, "The survey will account for the hutments of slum dwellers existing from pre-January 2000, which have been given protection under the law and will get free homes. It will also cover hutments up to January 1, 2011, which will be eligible for homes on payment."

He elaborated, "The surveyors will go door to door numbering the houses, following which their areas will be measured. We will take fingerprints and photographs of those residing in those houses through the biometric system. A photograph of the entire family standing in front of their houses will also be taken, along with videography of the location of the house. We will also be collecting proof of stay in the present house of the slum dwellers."

This comprehensive biometric survey aims to ensure a fair and accurate implementation of the SRA scheme, ultimately providing much-needed housing to the slum dwellers of Navi Mumbai.