Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls, 800 households in Santacruz's Om Namo Sujlam Suphalam Cooperative Housing Society have decided not to case their vote. This decision is in response to years of neglect and bureaucratic inertia from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
The residents, who live in the slum area of Shivaji Nagar, Santacruz (East), have been caught in the middle of a long-standing conflict between the SRA and the developer, Ms Keystone Realtors Limited. This conflict has resulted in a delay of over 75 months to implement the SRA initiatives.
Despite the Supreme Court's (SC) involvement, progress has been slow. The apex Court granted the SRA full authority to expedite the slum restoration project. The court's order from January 4, 2018, and several tendering procedures have not improved the situation for the people of Santacruz. However, the slum restoration plan has seen little change in almost a decade.
The slum, located next to the Vakola drain, is prone to flooding during the monsoon. This results in unhygienic conditions and stench for the residents.
The residents of Shivaji Nagar Chawl are facing numerous challenges, especially during the monsoon when their homes are flooded up to their waists. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority was ordered by the court to complete the project and provide dwellings to the slum inhabitants within 24 months. Though it hasn't happened yet.
The residents, comprising 128 flat owners and 672 hut owners, have chosen to abstain from the elections. The residents of Santacruz have asked authorities to fulfil their needs over developer disputes and bureaucratic inertia. They have requested immediate action to improve their living conditions, particularly during the monsoon season.
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