Mumbai | 20th April, 2016: A delegation from the Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan, today met Maharashtra state Forest Minister Shri. Sudhir Mungantiwar. The meeting was scheduled in the wake of massive demolition of slums being carried out by the Mangrove Cell (Maharashtra Forest Dept.) near the mangrove areas in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Around 4000 families have been evicted by the Cell so far. Plans are afoot to further evict more slums near mangrove areas.
A delegation comprised of social activist Ms. Medha Patkar, Bilal Khan, representatives from slums-Uday Mohite, Shriram Rjbhar, Mauluddin Hawari and Rehmat Sayyad, who met the minister, informed him about the agony the evicted slum residents going through after becoming homeless. The minister showed sensitiveness to the issue and assured helping steps. He assured that no pre-2005 slum will be evicted while a ‘Joint Forest Management’ concept can be formulated for slums near the mangrove areas to avoid eviction.
On the issue of mangrove trees destruction, which was pointed out by Ms. Medha Patkar through a report, the minister directed his department to start a helpline number to register complaint of mangrove destruction and to evolve a system for taking firm actions on the complaints.
Mr. Mungantiwar, who is also planning minister of the state of Maharashtra, has shown an interest in chalking out a plan to provide housing to the poor citizens. When offered a mega plan of providing housing to poor citizens of the city, Minister responded by promising a separate meeting for a presentation.
The Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan (GBGBA) welcomes the positive assurances received from the Minister. GBGBA will work in collaboration with the ministry to ensure compliance of the assurance.
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