Residents of ‘pakka’ homes in Ghatkopar’s Chirag Nagar protest against area being called ‘slum’; say SRA trying to displace them; govt says it’s building memorial to social reformer Anna Bhau Sathe here
Chirag Nagar residents protest against the declaration of their locality as a slum on Friday
Residents of Chirag Nagar in Ghatkopar West organised a silent protest on Friday, opposing the declaration of the area as a slum. The government had declared that a memorial would be built there to honour Anna Bhau Sathe, a Marathi writer, poet, and social reformer who penned some of his greatest works while residing in the area. Residents have alleged that this is a ploy to displace the 220 families that reside in Chirag Nagar, and that Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) officials have been visiting the area since June 2023 to pressure them into vacating the area despite not conducting proper surveys.
A notice issued by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. Pics/By Special Arrangement
After failing to receive permission from the Ghatkopar police to hold a formal protest, the residents gathered at the entrance of their area to greet those visiting Anna Bhau’s former home and share their grievances.
A building in Sawanthwadi, a privately owned plot adjoining Chirag Nagar, which has also received SRA notices. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Anil Sathe, Anna Bhau’s grandson, told mid-day, “We understand that the authorities want to pay homage to Anna Bhau, but does it have to come at the cost of our homes? These are the streets that Anna Bhau himself walked on, and he was a pillar of the community. If the area receives an SRA tag, the community will be scattered.”
The Chirag Nagar area of Ghatkopar West
Residents stated that officials had claimed that they would get to reside in the area once the development is completed, but the proposed memorial would take up a lot of space, leaving them with less living space.
Shahaji Nanai Thorat, Chirag Nagar resident
Shahaji Nanai Thorat, who has been living in Chirag Nagar for the past 40 years, has been meticulously documenting the notices sent by SRA. He alleged, “The SRA people have not followed proper procedures and have come here after 6.30 pm some days, which isn’t allowed. They have not conducted a proper survey and are expecting us to move to Azad Nagar, a nearby area. When we go to the meeting and hearings with proper documentation, they never listen to us, but only tell us the date of the next hearing.”
A bust of Anna Bhau Sathe in the writer’s home
According to Chirag Nagar residents, SRA notices have also addressed the adjoining area of Sawanthwadi, a privately owned piece of land under minor disputes.
Standing together
Residents of both areas have together decided not to accept the terms set by the SRA. Thorat said, “We are not okay with moving to Azad Nagar or anywhere far off. There is a vacant land between Narayan Nagar, Mandir and Sawanthwadi, if the authorities build temporary homes for us there. We are willing to shift for the time being.”
The current redevelopment is Phase 1 of a larger plan to redevelop all areas adjoining Chirag Nagar.
This paper contacted the SRA but didn’t receive a reply to its queries by press time.
Who was Anna Bhau Sathe?
Anna Bhau Sathe (1920–1969) was a Marathi writer, poet, and social reformer from Maharashtra who used literature as a tool to highlight the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised. Sathe wrote novels, short stories, plays, and ballads, becoming a key figure in the Dalit literary movement. His most famous work, Fakira, which he wrote while residing in Chirag Nagar, won critical acclaim and resonated with the masses. Deeply influenced by communism, Sathe also actively participated in the labour movement, making him a voice of the people.
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