TMC demolishes Jogila lake bed encroachments
168 residential, 18 commercial structures were razed on Thursday
As part of its ongoing drive to rid the Jogila lake bed of encroachments, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Thursday demolished around 168 residential and 18 commercial structures that had come up on it over the years.
Many residents opposed the drive, claiming it was unjust, even as the corporation claims that notices were sent and has promised to rehabilitate the displaced residents.
“I have lost valuable books. The drive was so unexpected that I had to return from my village, cutting short my trip after my mother called me this morning with the news. We had not received any notice and did not get any time to move furniture and household goods. My books were precious and they were just thrown into the garbage," lamented Sachin Sasane, a lawyer who lost his home in the demolition drive.
Residents had demanded rehabilitation in the same area where many of them claimed to have been residing for at least three generations. The Sasanes and other families and small establishments, allege they had to vacate unexpectedly, as the corporation did not send out notices. They have complained that the housing and commercial plots are not part of the Jogila Lake, as the lake is behind their houses, which they claim have been there as long as the lake has existed. Notices were issued to Kamgar Nagar and a chawl behind their houses.
Meanwhile, the corporation says it had already surveyed 325 constructions on this land, 301 of which were surveyed under the biometric system. 172 families have already been shifted to Acme and Khevara Circle areas. 102 constructions have already been demolished, the TMC said. After the demolition, there will be fencing around the lake and the lake bed will be unclogged. "Every family will be rehabilitated. The plan is to revive the dead lake, lost under the debris and illegal encroachment," said civic commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal.
The TMC hopes to revive the natural springs that are currently clogged under the debris with help from geological experts. Once rejuvenated, efforts would be made to revive the surroundings lost after the lake dried up several years ago. The revival plan is being worked out by the pollution control board and public works department of the TMC. Over the last several years, land mafia apparently had indiscriminately reclaimed parts of the lake and clogged its natural springs to set up more than 350 settlements on the lake bed.
Many residents opposed the drive, claiming it was unjust, even as the corporation claimed that notices were sent and promised to rehabilitate the displaced residents