Residents of slums and shanties in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai are facing a critical situation as the monsoon season draws near. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s S ward, which comprises Vikhroli and Bhandup, and M/E ward are the most vulnerable to the dangers posed by landslides.
The M/E ward (Malad east) consists of Bharat Nagar, Govandi, Mankhurd, Chita Camp, Sahyadri Nagar, and Ashok Nagar.
The encroachment on hills and elevated lands has increased the risks even further. The urgency for relocation comes from an incident in August 2021 when 29 lives were lost in landslides that occurred in Mahul and Vikhroli, which are within the S and M/E wards limits. In light of this, the civic body has issued a warning to the residents who refuse to relocate. The BMC emphasises that those who choose to stay will be responsible for their own safety.
To ensure the safety of slum residents, local ward authorities are visiting the slums and notifying residents about the urgent need to leave their current dwellings as soon as possible. The authorities are emphasising the seriousness of the situation and urging swift action to avoid consequences. One benefit in this situation is the ownership of the land parcels where the slums are located. These parcels are either owned by the collector's office or the forest and revenue department.
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