Vote-hungry politicians foster shanties’ proliferation

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) alone cannot be blamed for the Behrampada tragedies, as the demolition work carried out by the civic body often incurs political wrath. Politicians, in a bid to save their dedicated vote banks in the area, often stop the BMC from demolishing the shanties. It has been alleged that the proliferation of slums is ignored while authorities, in cahoots with builders, build homes for slum dwellers that are often rented out while they go build slums elsewhere.  

“There is a strong lobby working inside the BMC which helps the slum mafia grow. This is a big money game. Just for the sake of taking some action, the BMC undetakes demolition initiatives,” said NCP spokesperson Sachin Ahire. He said, “Good living conditions must be provided to every Mumbaikar, but at the same time, the burgeoning slums issue must be dealt with strictly.”

During the BMC elections, which were held in February this year, several political parties opposed the demolition drive at Behrampada and Garibnagar slums in a bid to save their vote banks. Shiv Sena, which won most seats in the area, was among those who opposed the drive. The BMC had directed to all ward officers to demolish vertical structures that exceed the 14-feet height limit. A proposal regarding the same was opposed by Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and Samajwadi Party.  

“During court hearings regarding action against illegal structures and slums, we have experienced some instances where there was some interference by some political leaders to save illegal slums or structures in areas like Mumbra, Diva, Kalyan and Pimpri Chinchwad,” said advocate Uday Warunjikar who has appeared in many petition against illegal constructions. He said, “Once, two MLAs also moved the Bombay high court seeking permission to intervene in a petition to support some illegal structure, but the court had not allowed them to intervene,”

He added, “Of course the protection granted to illegal slums by political parties are because of their vote banks. Now that the law that gives permanent accommodation to eligible slum dwellers is in place, if any permanent house is given to any slum occupant without proper verification, it would be a sheer waste of taxpayers’ money.”