Ghatkopar Residents Urge Urgent Redevelopment Amid Monsoon Woes

Residents of the Ghatkopar Pant Nagar Railway Police Colony in Mumbai are calling for immediate redevelopment of their deteriorating housing amid recent heavy rainfall. The colony, established on land allocated in 1964, currently houses around 450 families in structures that have fallen into disrepair. With 17 buildings and 980 rooms deemed dilapidated, these families face a serious risk to their safety and health.

The ongoing monsoon season has exacerbated issues with water ingress, further complicating living conditions. Many residents report that the buildings are no longer structurally sound. One inhabitant stated, “It is worse during the monsoon,” highlighting problems such as clogged drainage lines and waterlogging that lead to increased mosquito breeding, raising the threat of diseases like dengue and malaria.

In light of these concerns, residents have written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, urging for swift action to redevelop the railway quarters and secure ownership rights. The fear is that if redevelopment does not occur soon, slum dwellers may occupy the vacant properties, complicating future redevelopment efforts.

Long-standing Housing Challenges

The colony, which spans 35 acres, has been home to generations of police personnel, but ownership rights have not been granted to current residents. The first phase of development began in 1968, providing 464 housing units, followed by a second phase in 1984 that added another 980 flats. Each unit, measuring approximately 300 sq ft, was originally intended as staff quarters for police officers.

Residents like Sushil Jangam, whose father served in the Mumbai Railway Police, have been vocal in their demands. They emphasize the need for redevelopment at the current site to maintain community ties. “We want redevelopment at the same site so that railway police families can continue to stay here with safety and dignity,” a representative of the community stated.

Currently, residents pay rent deducted from their salaries, but upon retirement, they are required to vacate their homes. Many retired personnel, lacking alternative housing options, have remained in the colony, which raises further concerns about overcrowding and inadequate facilities.

Government’s Role in Redevelopment

Despite the pressing issues, a senior railway police officer noted that decisions regarding housing and repairs fall under government jurisdiction. “The government decides on providing flats to the cops, and any repair work has to be approved by them before coming up with a solution,” the officer explained. Residents are entitled to stay in the quarters until retirement but face uncertainty regarding their future housing.

The ongoing plight of the Ghatkopar Pant Nagar Railway Police Colony highlights the urgent need for government intervention in addressing the deteriorating living conditions. As monsoon rains continue to pose risks, residents hope their pleas for redevelopment will not go unheard, ensuring a safer and more stable future for families in the community.