Pune: People Attempt Suicide During Anti-Encroachment Drive At Dandekar Bridge, Over 100 Detained
Mihir Shete
Pune, 24th June 2021: The action against encroachment at Dandekar Bridge began under police protection today by Pune municipal corporation (PMC). However, locals opposed it and said that the civic body had not given them any notice. An activist also tried to self-immolate at the spot. There was a scuffle between the police and the residents of Ambil Odha slum.
“The police suddenly came and told us to get out of the house. We were not given any notice about this action. We have been living here for 50 to 60 years and the citizens are demanding that we should be given alternative arrangements and then action should be taken,” said a resident requesting anonymity.
Also, some residents have alleged that the action was started after the notice of a private builder and not of the municipality. Why is there no stamp of Pune Municipal Corporation on the notice? Such a question has been asked by residents.
The administration claims that flood-prone areas are being cleared and the evicted people will get a new home under to the ‘Slum Rehabilitation Scheme.’ Temporarily, the evicted families are sent to the transit camp till further arrangements.
Moreover, police have warned of strict action on those who try to disrupt the work again. They have already detained 100 people.
“For the last 15 days, I have been trying to meet the Municipal Commissioner, SRA Officer. No evacuations have been made in the area behind the stream. Dictatorial action is being taken in the name of encroachment and security in the area which is to be vacated only for SRA. Even after notifying the Municipal Commissioner after meeting the Chief Minister, the action taken by PMC is surprising. Eknath Shinde has called a meeting in this regard at 2 pm. But even before that, all this work of the municipality has started,” Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe has alleged.
“BJP MLA Madhuri Misal as well as Bidkar and Muralidhar Mohol are holding meetings with developers and ploughing people’s houses in the name of security, ” Gorhe alleged.
Local corporators have said that the action taken by the municipal corporation and the police administration is wrong.
The PMC had earlier sent notices to the locals to leave homes as it gets flooded every year during the monsoons. However, locals are not ready to leave their homes as many of them are living there for over 30 years.
