BMC snaps power, water connections of Neel Shantiniketan after declaring it ‘dangerous’; members call action harsh, seek extension
Without power, society residents hold up torches for light. Pic/Rane Ashish
Amidst the raging third wave in the city, 92 occupants of a Kalina housing society have had their electricity and water connection snapped on Tuesday. The BMC disconnected the utilities after declaring the society dilapidated last year. The residents said they should be given more time to vacate the flats many among them are senior citizens with health issues.
ADVERTISEMENT
The society is Neel Shantiniketan CHS located opposite Kalina University, Santacruz East. Built in 1968, it has three wings, 81 flats, and 11 shops on the ground floor. The shopkeepers said they didn't receive any notice and the disconnection of power and water has caused them huge losses. The residents said the BMC had brought in cops to force them to cooperate.
Harish Thakkar, a resident, said, “The BMC declared our building dangerous under C-1 category on November 20, 2020. We were also served a notice by the BMC but our redevelopment project is stuck owing to some documentation issues. We need some time to vacate our flats. We are not opposing BMC but now we are living without electricity which is difficult in these Covid times. Where will we go? We should also be given an extension up to February 15 like schools and colleges.”
Anjum Shaikh, 30, has an ice cream shop at the society. He said, “Due to no electricity, I lost more than R1 lakh worth of ice cream. Cakes, candy sticks and roll cakes also got spoilt. I called the company and requested them to take back the ice cream but they refused. I also called other outlets but they too are not taking it. The fridge is too big and I can’t even take it home. We are on rent and have already suffered huge losses due to Covid. Now, this.”
Ali Mohammad Kasam Siddique Mansoori has a laundry shop and a flat in the society. “I am diabetic. Due to no electricity, my entire work has stopped. I live here with my wife and kids.” Rupsi Bura Gandhi, who runs the Praful Society store and is a resident of the society, said, “Butter, cheese and shrikhand have gone bad due to no electricity. Suddenly they disconnected light and water. We should have been given some notice before 24 hours. We could have prepared accordingly.” Abdul Kadar Kasam Siddique Mansoori said without the air compressor, his cycle shop is also suffering.
Retired Professor G S Sokhi, 74, and his wife G K Sokhi said, “We have health issues. We are living alone. It’s a difficult time due to Covid and we can’t find another home. At least we should get some extension…We also got a structural audit done and it was declared C-2B category which is repairable but we respect the BMC order if they declared it C-1 category. The society boundary issue is not properly reported by the builder and nobody has received any rent to move out.”
H East ward officer Alka Sasane did not respond to calls from mid-day.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
