‘Unsafe’ building’s sole resident won’t budge

Mumbai: Adjacent to Savera Apartments resides 69-year-old Ajay Madhukar Pimpalkar, the only resident of Arunodhaya apartments, which has also been declared dangerous.

The adamant Mr Pimpalkar alleges that the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has been harassing residents to clear the way for builders, and that he too has received similar notices like those sent to the residents of Savera Apartments.

Mr Pimpalkar said his neighbours had left the building but he would see to it that the ‘builder lobby does not get hold of his home’, which is located in the prime location of old Thane market. He said, “Arunodhaya is old, I agree; but the notices are unnecessary. We can repair it and stay here for another fifty years.” He added, “The TMC are nothing but crooks. They pander to the builder lobby who have been eyeing this property for the past 20 years, but I won’t let them get away with it.”

Mr Pimpalkar, who has been residing in Arunodhaya since the 1960s, pointed to a crematorium down the road from his balcony and said, “It just a small walk to my final resting place. It won’t be much of an effort, but I will make every step count.”

Around 20 people lived in Arunodhaya before most of them vacated after notices to the building were sent last year.