Slum Movements

Squatter's Colony, Goregaon

Squatter's colony was one of the major victims of the 1992-1993 Mumbai riots. The colony is a set up of Muslim Varak (silver paper used for coating Indian sweets) workers which was legalized in 1976. Around 1200 families lived in this Malad-Goregaon slum. During the riots, they faced heavy assaults from the neighbouring Shiv Sena-RSS supporters dominated settlements.

The slum has been a victim of demolitions since March 1988 when corporator MI Patel demolished 19 structures. A so called social worker collected signatures on a blank paper in 1994 in order to develop slum.

On 7th May 1994 Nivara Hakk wrote a letter to Municipal Commissioner Sharad Kale on proposal initiated by Corporator MI Patel for development of Squatters colony which was opposed by local residents. The slum then has 1090 photopass holders and was declared as a slum settlement for last 30 years.

Ambica builders and Kudal Architects had circulated pre-typed affidavits, threatening residents to sign or fear demolition. On 4th May 1994, residents rejected the proposal and said it should be done through cooperative society of the residents themselves. Nivara Hakk submitted signatures of residents denying the proposal.

The slum was partly on land reserved for dishoused and partly for a garden. The corporator had become a collection agent along with his brothers Yusuf Patel and Abdul Patel. No permission for repair, for laying water lines, etc was processed without paying him.

A local resident Salam Chandiwalla who was opposing the corporators scheme was harassed. A sub engineer partly demolished Salam Chandiwala's house. Rent collector was threatening the locals that if they do not join the building scheme, their houses would be demolished and they would be sent to Deonar. Rent collectors were influenced by MI Patel.

On 15th September 1994 a local body wrote to BMC that they did not sign any agreement in front of any lawyer and no notory was done and should not accept the papers given by builders. Also builders were trying to bribe local society leaders, forcing them to accept scheme. They had given Rs 10 lakhs to the Corporator and had demanded the money back of the scheme doesn't go through. Signatures opposing the builder's scheme sent again to municipal commissioner.

But in October 1994 demolition within 48 hours notice was given by P south ward as space was needed to widen the road. No alternate accommodation was offered and notice had collateral motives. The court then ordered an interim injunction of the demolition and asked to appoint independent authority to ascertain views of colony residents. The neighbourhood still is dominated by varak makers and is now a crowded locality.

 

Struggle Chronology

1994

7th May 1994 – Letter by NHSS to MC Sharad Kale on proposal initiated by Corporator MI Patel for development of Squatters colony which is opposed by local residents.

1090 photopass holders ad declared slum existing for last 30 years

Ambica builders and Kudal Architects circulating pre-typed affidavits, threatening residents to sign or fear demolition.

On May 4, residents rejected the proposal and said it should be done through cooperative society of the residents themselves.
NHSS submitting signatures of residents denying the proposal.

The slum is partly on land for dishoused and partly for garden.

The corporator has become a collection agent along with his brother Yusuf and one Abdul. No permission for repair, for laying water line, etc is processed without paying him.

A local Mr.Salam Chandiwalla who was opposing the corporators scheme is being harassed.

8th August 1994 – Letter to MC Sudha Bhave- Harassement by corporator MI Patel
He is issuing demolition notices, harassing locals opposing.

15th August 1994 – Letter to ward officer
Rent collector threatening if they do not join building scheme, their houses would be demolished and sent to Deonar. Rent collectors influenced by MI Patel. Action should be taken against sub engineer who acted against local Salam Chandiwala and partly demolished his house

Poster:
Builders Ke Pange se squatters colony ko bachao!

15th Sept'94 – local body writes to BMC that they did not sign any agreement in front of lawyer and no notory was done. Do not accept the papers given by builders.

19th Sept'94 – Letter to Deputy Municipal Comm.

Builder trying to bribe local society leaders, forcing them to accept scheme. Given 10 lakhs to corporator and demanding back of the scheme doesn't go thru.

15.9.94 – signatures opposing builder scheme sent again to MC

Brief history of squatters' colony

12th March 1988 – 19 structures demolished by corporator MI Patel
It is a registered slum since 1976 and pays compensation to BMC
13th March 1988 – Co-operative housing society formed

Since slum improvement wasn't possible as structures were above 16 ft slum redevelopment was proposed on 8.1.1994

So called social worker collected signature on blank paper. No action taken against this dispute complaint

The society submitted proposal on 6,5.94
NHSS also asked not to interfere

20.10.1994 – Demolition notice – space needed to widen the road- 48 hours given.

28.10.1994- Malafide notice for demolition served by P South
Court ordered interim injunction
No alternative accommodation offered. New Chincholi flyover in basti. Notice has collateral motives. Appoint independent authority to ascertain view of colony residents.