MMRC reassures in-situ rehab to residents of affected buildings in Girgaon

MMRC to offer detailed rehabilitation plan

Mumbai, March 4, 2015 – The Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has reassured in-situ rehabilitation to the residents of Annapurna Building, Kranti Nagar, Ekta Niwas, Dhoot Papeshwar buildings in Girgaon which will be affected by the construction of --Seepz Metro-3 corridor. The residents of these four buildings in Girgaon were heard today for the first time.

Reiterating the stand taken by the State Government, Ms. Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director, MMRC assured that, “The MMRC will not remove and or evict no one before making arrangements for their permanent rehabilitation in the same area while implementing the Metro-3 corridor”.

The MMRC needs very small portion of land permanently for the station entries and exits and for certain amenities like ventilation shaft on auxiliary sub-station. It was further stated that due to close proximity of the buildings and lack of open spaces, these buildings are required to be demolished to construct the stations. However, after accommodating Metro-3 requirement it could be possible to reconstruct the buildings at the same location. The MMRC team assured the affected families that they would check this possibility and come up with a draft plan of their in- situ rehabilitation. After discussing it with them and only after obtaining their consents the same will be finalized and the approval from the government would be sought for.

While a few demanded skipping of Girgaon station many acceded to considering the possibility of in-situ rehabilitation and simultaneous construction of the metro station. “We are not opposed to the development. But, you first rehabilitate us in the same area and we will not object the construction of the station”.

The MMRC needs space for entry-exit points and some amenities for Kalabadevi and Girgaon stations and the first priority is for open spaces and then the spaces where redevelopment is already in process or in pipeline.

The people representing residential buildings and commercial establishments also asked for clear timelines as to the eviction and or possession of the new tenements. They also demanded in depth rehabilitation plan and promised support to the project while agreeing to submit their demands.

In all 80 people attended public consultation representing Annapurna Building, Kranti Nagar, Ekta Niwas, Dhoot Papeshwar buildings in Girgaon.