Tolerance will ensure we are peaceful society

Mulund residents at the meeting after the protest. They have threatened to boycott the elections

Currently, it is Mulund in the news, as residents of the central suburb are protesting against plans to accommodate Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and Dharavi residents in Mulund.

News reports cite that locals are against relocating of those displaced by the Dharavi Redevelopment project and PAP from other parts. The protest stemmed from Mulund locals feeling that their space does not have the infrastructure to cater to the influx of people who will be shifted to the place.

They feel there will be a terrific strain on civic resources and the infrastructure. This is a festering issue. Locals say resources like water, even roads and parking are going to become scarce with all the new people in the area.

Though this is one example, expect a pattern through the city as more infrastructure development and projects take place. People are going to be displaced or housed elsewhere and there is going to be a huge problem as locals try to resist this move. There is some merit in the locals contention. That is why at least some attempt at increasing infra and amenities in the area is necessary so that the displaced and PAPs can exist with the locals.

Every area has a space crunch. Yet, if some pre-attempts can be made to free up at least a couple of spaces and see how both can co-exist. This can be beneficial to all concerned.

Locals too can raise a voice, yet cannot resort to any kind of violence, infra damage or aggression. In fact, if people are shifted with some vision for the future and those who have been moved conduct themselves in a disciplined way, it will be a smoother situation all around. One can expect this push 'n' pull elsewhere too as people are asked to move and development leads to displacement. Both sides will have to live together, certain pre-arrangements will help that happen.