In Navi Mumbai, slum dwellers and Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are resisting the state's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme. The scheme, aiming to provide proper housing for around 50,000 slum dwellers, faces opposition from PAPs demanding their sold lands back. Slum dwellers, like those in Ramnagar, express concerns about losing homes while PAPs say that they sold their lands for very little compensation. A biometric survey in September triggered political tensions, with Shiv Sena accusing BJP's Ganesh Naik of interference. PAPs formed the Zameen Haq Samiti, holding meetings to raise awareness and planning objections and a potential PIL.
In a contentious scenario in Navi Mumbai, the proposed Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme faces resistance from both slum dwellers and Project Affected Persons (PAPs), who demand the return of lands acquired for the project. The SRA scheme, intended to provide proper housing for approximately 50,000 slum dwellers from Digha to Nerul Shivaji Nagar area, encountered political tensions during a biometric survey in September. The survey, following instructions from Industries Minister Uday Samant, led to a dispute between alliance partners Shiv Sena and BJP, with allegations of interference. PAPs, forming the Zameen Haq Samiti, are mobilizing against the scheme, holding meetings to raise awareness and planning to submit objections, followed by a potential Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Members of the Samiti, have emphasized that the initiation of village meetings is to foster awareness. The strategy includes submitting objections to various government agencies, signalling a potential legal challenge through a PIL. They have argued that the PAPs were compelled to relinquish their lands for minimal compensation and so if the government opts not to develop industries on the acquired land, it should be returned to the original owners.
Simultaneously, slum dwellers express apprehension about the SRA scheme, fearing potential homelessness. Residents of the Ramnagar slum in Digha convened a press conference, urging that they be informed and consulted about the scheme's details. Concerns about losing homes are prevalent, and there's a call for transparency regarding the benefits and timelines for slum dwellers.
The dynamics of the situation reveal a multifaceted challenge involving political disagreements, discontent among PAPs, and apprehensions within the slum-dwelling community. The convergence of these factors underscores the complexity of urban development initiatives and the necessity for inclusive and transparent communication channels.
As the Zameen Haq Samiti intensifies its efforts, aiming for broader mobilization against the SRA scheme, the authorities face the task of managing the diverse concerns of PAPs and slum dwellers. Achieving a balance between developmental objectives and addressing the grievances of those directly impacted by these initiatives becomes imperative to navigate through this contentious landscape.
In conclusion, the resistance to the SRA scheme in Navi Mumbai reflects the broader challenges associated with urban development projects, especially those involving displacement and rehabilitation. A collaborative and transparent approach is crucial to assuage concerns, build consensus, and ensure that the developmental initiatives align with the interests of the affected communities.
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