Urgent Eviction: 2,500 Families Given 24 Hours To Leave Homes Of 15 Years In Mumbai

In Mumbai, around 2,500 families residing in 41 unauthorised buildings in Nalasopara's Agrawal Nagari have been given 24 hours to vacate their homes. The eviction notices were issued by the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) following a Bombay High Court (BHC) order. However, the VVMC is awaiting police assistance to commence the eviction process.

These buildings declared illegal, occupy a substantial area of 60 acres, which includes 30 acres of private land reportedly encroached upon by Sitaram Gupta, a former Bahujan Vikas Aghadi councillor. Gupta was arrested by the Economic Offences Wing in September last year in connection with this case.

The Impact On Residents

The eviction notice has left the affected families in distress. Many of them, who have been living in these buildings for the past 15 years, work in manual jobs and are now uncertain about their future. Concerned about their immediate relocation, these families have appealed to the government for assistance in finding alternative housing.

Ownership Dispute And Legal Battle

The land ownership issue dates back several decades. The BHC's order came after a petition filed in December 2022 by three elderly brothers, Mohanlal Patel (79), Ramanlal (77), and Dhirajlal (66), who currently reside in Canada and New Zealand. Their youngest brother, Ramdas (67), who lives in Vasai, holds the power of attorney, which he has transferred to his sons Piyush and Ajay Sharma.

The petitioners assert that they have owned the land since 1977, which is classified as wetlands. However, in the 2010 development plan, the municipal council decided to use this land for a dump and sewage plant without informing or compensating them. The first complaint regarding illegal constructions on this land was made in January 2008. Despite the demolition of 200 buildings following a court petition in 2013-14, more illegal structures have since been erected.

Looking Ahead

As the VVMC prepares to enforce the eviction with police support, the affected families are left hoping for a compassionate resolution. The situation underscores the complexities of land ownership and urban development, as well as the significant impact on vulnerable communities.