VADODARA, April 21: Slum-dwellers, whose shanties were demolished last month, demanded alternative sites at a public meeting organised by Swashray, Vikas Shaheri Sampada Kendra and Shishu Milap in the Gandhi Nagar Gruh on Sunday.Seeking regularisation of slums more than 10 years old, these organisations -- all of whom work with the underprivileged -- said the displaced should also be given tenancy rights, civic benefits and sanitary facilities at the new sites.
Reading out a copy of the memorandum to be presented to the district collector, Nila Dave of Swashrya said the Vadodara Municipal Corporation should consult representatives of slum-dwellers before making any move. The signed memorandum will be handed over to the District Collector on Monday.
Dave, Shobha Patel of Shishu Milap and Swati of Vikas Shaheri Sampada Kendra condemned the alleged nexus between the VMC and the builders, which, they claimed, was instrumental in the demolition of slums.
Condemning the demolitions, People's Union of Civil Liberties president Kirit Bhatt called upon people to organise themselves to seek housing rights. Demolitions violated human rights, he said, criticising the VMC for being unable to accommodate them even 50 years after Independence.
Premilaben and Leelaben said they had been living in Dholikui for 40 years, before, one day, without warning, the VMC demolished their house.
