The health of social activist Medha Patkar is deteriorating as she continues her indefinite fast against slum demolition in Mumbai.
Medha began her fast on April 4 alleging corruption by builders in the city\\\’s slum rehabilitation scheme, and called for the halting of six projects by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, until a proper inquiry is conducted.
A fellow activist Madhuri Shivkar is also fasting along with Medha.
On Friday morning, a delegation of activists and slum-dwellers held a meeting with Devashish Chakravarty, Principal Secretary, Housing, which was also attended by officers from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
The activists are now expecting a meeting with the chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, as assured by the officers.
Here is a the full statement by NAPM:
Medha Patkar and Madhuri Shivkar are continuing with their indefinite fast in Golibar, Mumbai. Late on Thursday evening, Sanjay Nirupam, MP came to the dharna site and expressed his solidarity with the Andolan and said he will do his best to address the issues at hand. People from different Bastis had kept pouring in to the dharna site but also getting restless and so they decided to lay seize to Chief Minister\\\’s residence. Chief Minister, Shri Prithvi Raj Chavan spoke to Medha ji in the morning and agreed to meet a delegation.
Today morning nearly 1000 people from different Bastis parked themselves infront of CM\\\’s house and refused to move unless and until he talked to them. Meanwhile, in morning we got a call from Principal Secretary Housing, Mr. Devashish Chakravarty to have a dialogue with the Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan (GBGB) representatives. A delegation went and met with them at 11 am. The meeting was joined by CEO, SRA Mr. Deshmukh and other officials. They agreed to most of the demands of the Andolan but bactracked on the demand of self redevelopment by Ganesh Krupa Housing Society, who paid for the land in 2003. As per the law they can claim self development but the authorities are not sure, even though CEO SRA on another meeting two days ago, see below, had agreed to this. As we write this update to you, the delegation is still there and waiting for the written order from them.
Once the written document is collected, a delegation will go and meet the Chief Minister. One the meeting is over Andolan will decide the next steps.
Since, morning, protests have been held by different organisations and supporters of the Andolan at different places in Maharashtra – Pune, Satara, Maangaon, Ahmadnagar and other places.
*Prerna Gaikwad, Aba Tandel, Ajit Gavkhedkar, Alex, Atik, Sumit Wajale, Sandeep Yeole, Rajkumar, Seela Manaswinee*
*Contact : 09892727063 | 09212587159 |**napmindia@gmail.com |www.khareastandolan.wordpress.com*