[sustran] Mumbai evictions for "beautification" of roads

[Paul Barter]

Another item from the ACHR Newsletter which has some transport
connection.... unfortunately.

8. Housing Eviction News

a. YUVA, in Bombay India continue their APPEAL FOR ACTION! ACT NOW AND
PREVENT PEOPLE FROM BEING RENDERED HOMELESS! 21st Oct, 1997

While the government is being careful about not demolishing houses where
residents can show proofs of residing at the same spot on  or before1.1.95.
The State's new redevelopment policy has not altogether stopped the
evictions. We have information of the following communities where
demolitions are taking place.
1. From the morning of the 20th of October, 1997; 150 houses in Prakash
Nagar, Mahim (W) were razed to the ground. Bulldozers were employed for the
same. Since the people put up a fight, they were beaten with police batons.
2. On 14th Oct, houses along the Western Express highway which is the link
road connecting the airport to the city were demolished. 13 houses in
Annawadi, 15 in Ambedkar Nagar, 19 in Tiwari Compound, 23 in Birjewadi, 10
in Jan Kalyan Nagar and 43 in Chikoo wadi were pulled down.
Newspapers also report the Transport Minister, Pramod Navalkar as having
declared the commencement of the 'beautification drive' of the city. He has
vowed to 'clean up' four arterial roads. The position we are taking is that
no eviction should take place without the completion of a full and proper
resettlement programme.
Contact YUVA if you wish to join the fax and letter campaign at  Kavitha,
YUVA: <yuva at giasbm01.vsnl.net.in>