Pune: Senior social activist Medha Patkar has demanded that Bhimnagar residents be given proper justice by providing them housing at their existing location. She also called for the withdrawal of notices issued by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) for vacating houses without the consent of Bhimnagar residents on Paud Road.
Responding to an appeal by Republican Yuva Morcha President Rahul Dambale to support the “Save Bhimnagar” movement, Medha Patkar visited the area, listened to the grievances of residents, and expressed solidarity with their struggle for justice. Local residents, including Devidas Ohal, were present during her visit.
Patkar criticized the promises made by Bhakti Enterprises, the agency in charge of the rehabilitation project. Although they initially agreed to provide better homes at the same location, 50 families were relocated to Warje even before securing the mandatory 70% consent from residents. Of these, 15 families have returned to Bhimnagar. The building to which they were shifted was constructed by the Municipal Corporation, not the developer, resulting in eviction notices for the remaining 35 families — which Patkar labeled as a betrayal of the Bhimnagar residents.
Highlighting deeper issues, Patkar stated that the biggest scams in slum rehabilitation projects occur during the transfer of development rights. She alleged that developers, in collusion with political leaders and municipal officials, displace poor families while taking control of prime land. She further noted the manipulation in declaring eligible and ineligible beneficiaries — where often ineligible individuals are favored while eligible residents are excluded.
Bhimnagar residents informed Patkar that the developer, without constructing the promised houses, has already misused TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) worth crores, with support from corrupt officials and politicians.
Patkar emphasized that just as old housing societies have redevelopment rights, urban slum dwellers too should have the right to self-development. However, this right is being denied due to the unholy nexus between political leaders, officials, and developers.
Expressing full support for the ongoing agitation, Patkar pointed out that 90% of Bhimnagar residents are Dalit and working-class individuals. They are fighting for justice in accordance with constitutional rights and must not be subjected to injustice. She urged the SRA, Pune Municipal Corporation, Grievance Redressal Authority, and Maharashtra’s Urban Development Department to ensure justice for Bhimnagar residents.
Rahul Dambale stated that Bhimnagar is possibly the only settlement in the state where the land is officially in the name of the residents (as per the 7/12 land record), yet efforts are being made by local politicians, corrupt SRA officials, and the municipal administration to illegally transfer this land to builders, displacing the locals. He demanded that atrocity charges be filed against all responsible officials and the builder.
During the visit, residents shared their ongoing problems, including those faced by families already displaced and relocated to new sites.
