‘Trustees stalled redevelopment’

Mumbai: The redevelopment of Kesarbai building was stalled due to interference by the trustees, claimed locals.

They also blamed Congress MLA Amin Patel for not helping them and the administration for not paying heed to their requests and follow-ups.

One night after the building received notice from the BMC, residents saw plaster falling from part of it. Thereafter, Mr Patel visited the place and requested the residents to vacate the place, promising to give transit in a nearby area.

However, transit accommodation was not provided to them after they vacated the premises, claimed locals.

One of the locals, Mr Habib, who did not wish to give his full name, said, “A few residents were not ready to vacate their houses as they were given transit accommodation in Dharavi and Sion area. People did not wish to relocate as their jobs would have been affected.”

He also claimed that the trustees of the building did not allow contractors and developers to redevelop the building.

“Because of their stubborn attitude, the redevelopment of the building was stalled since a few years. Now in this situation, they cannot face the public and that is the reason that they did not turn up at the crash site Tuesday,” he said.

Safdar Karmali, chairman of Bai Hirabai Rahimbhai Aloo Paroo & Bai Kesharbai Dharmasey Khakoo Charitable & Religious Trust, said that the tenants were asked to bear 50 per cent of the cost of redevelopment, which they did not agree to, which stalled the process.