Lawsuit holds up reconstruction |
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Why is nothing being done about the sorry state of Mumbais older buildings? Ironically, a public interest litigation apparently filed in the interest of tenants of crumbling buildings, is holding up the reconstruction of many.
Joseph Bain DSouza filed a PIL on September 31, 2004, saying that before evacuating the tenants from their homes, government should ensure they get a number of basic facilities, including drinking water, proper drainage and more.
The high court is yet to pass a judgment on the case, and until then no redevelopment work can be initiated on a number of buildings. Goregaonkar chawl at S K Bole Road, Dadar (West), and Nalini Building, off Bhavani Shankar Road, Dadar (West) are two such properties. Voices
All legal formalities related to the reconstruc-tion are done. I am awaiting a no-objection certificate from the authorities. As a landlord I have done what I could and am eagerly waiting the judgment on the PIL filed in the court.
Anil Naik, landlord
Goregaonkar Chawl,
Flats: 74
My great-grandfather was the first tenant of this chawl. I was told that the building would be reconstructed, but when I do not know. May be after it collapses. The tenants and the landlord have agreed on the reconstruction but when, no one knows.
Malti Patki, third floor resident
The landlord is fooling us. He does not want to reconstruct the chawl. I fear that I will be killed if the building collapses.
Pradeep Bhave, another tenant
I am 74 years old and stay in the same building with my tenants. I have already appointed a developer but cannot proceed as the final judgment is awaited on the PIL.
Bharati Vakherkar, co-owner of Nalini Building (almost 100 years old)
Tenants: 19
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