Garib Nagar demolition: HC protection order doesn’t prevent 100 families from going homeless

Fardina Shaikh (centre), who points animatedly to a broken-down structure, alleges that the use of heavy machinery damaged her home at Garib Nagar. PICS/SAMEER SAYYED ABEDI

A hundred families living to the east of Bandra railway station, whose homes were protected from demolition under a Bombay High Court order, have been forced onto the streets after their houses suffered extensive damage during the razing of illegal structures at Garib Nagar.

Residents alleged that while authorities refrained from directly demolishing their homes, in compliance with the court's directive, the demolition of adjoining and upper portions of nearby structures caused severe structural damage to their properties.

The affected families have expressed frustration that, despite being legally protected from eviction and demolition, they have effectively lost their homes. Several residents are now living on the streets, hoping to hear from the authorities. Vineet Abhishek, chief PRO, Western Railway, said, "As per the court's order, it will be ensured that these 100 families get alternative accommodation. We are working towards facilitating the same."

Resident Speak

‘Initially, they were demolishing the upper structures manually. But after a few minutes, they began using heavy machinery that causes strong vibrations. Now we are sitting on the streets without alternative accommodation'
Fardina Shaikh

‘Cracked walls, collapsed ceilings, exposed foundations, and weakened support columns have rendered our houses unsafe for habitation'
Afzal Shaikh

Mangal Kuchekar, whose husband is paralysed and earns a living through a tiffin service

‘I had gone to Baramati to attend the funeral of a relative. Two days back, I returned to a demolished house. My husband is paralysed, and I earn barely enough to make ends meet through a tiffin service'
Mangal Kuchekar

Jilani Shaikh Allauddin (right), who has been rendered homeless despite her house being protected from demolition by a court order

‘We were told our homes would not be touched because we were eligible beneficiaries and protected by the court order. They had put red flags on our structures to identify them. But now our houses are so badly damaged that we cannot live in them'
Jilani Shaikh Allauddin