Locals upset with pace of relief work, say distribution of cheques is a formality and NGOs helped better
Locals upset with pace of relief work, say distribution of cheques is a formality and NGOs helped better
After a fire gutted over 2,000 houses in slums at Damu Nagar, Kandivali, many reached out to their denizens; however, locals — who have lost their homes, utensils and clothes — appear upset with the relief work, which is being carried out at a snail’s pace. Victims have said they received cheques of Rs 3,800 from the civil authorities, which is just a formality. The locals have complained that as of now only 250 people have received the compensation and 800 families are still waiting for it.
A local resident, Mahadev Karhade, said that the amount is not sufficient. “Earlier, when I learnt that local authorities were distributing cheques to help us out financially, I tried to get one. But as soon as I learnt that it was all just a formality, I to returned as the money is quite insufficient,” he said.
Another local, Sunil Magare said that neither chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had come to pay the victims a visit nor had any help been provided by the government. He added that the help rendered in the form of the cheques was like pouring salt on the victims’ wounds. “In fact, NGOs are doing a better job and they have provided us with tents, food, water, utensils, medicines and clothes,” he said.
Manisha Gavai, a local, while speaking to The Asian Age, mentioned that while distributing cheques, officials had assured them that soon more cheques would follow, but the question of getting a house and the necessary facilities is bothering them the most.
When this newspaper approached some NGO functionaries, a volunteer said. “A few residents had to return from the cheque distribution counter after the officials told them that cheques have been finished and they have to come back again on the next day.”
