Encroachment—the dictionary meaning of which is 'gradually intrude on a person's territory, rights, etc.,'—has become a law for unlawful encroachers who rule over the authorities responsible to protect public land.
In this context, the shame and sham of Kalina (BMC H-E Ward) is the talao—a natural water body enjoyed by four generations residing at Kalina and Kolivery Gaothans.
Even today, a silverhead citizen will recall how this natural pond was used for swimming, fishing or boating. But with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) taking it over in 1997, we've seen the end of a natural resource, one where pure air wasn't a privilege.
The desecration of this 7.5 acres (3.26l sq.ft.) talao area started from the beginning of the 21st Century, when the BMC started allowing dumping of excavated soil from other roads. Hundreds of dumpers and trucks loaded garbage here, only to convert this paradise into a stinking, ugly hillock of an average 12ft height from the original surface. There is no trace of the flora, fauna or the landing place for migratory birds anymore. Despite protests and pleas made to the authorities, this continued relentlessly. Today, the so-called talao is 'the largest open-air-toilet' of Mumbai and is being used by the slum dwellers around the area.
NGOs and other local bodies made an effort to convert this area into a large recreational centre with ambitious plans for a large playground, sports complex, community halls, a garden and park. Despite it all, the citizens of Kalina feel let-down and have now given up hope of restoration happening during their lifetime. In fact, the Bombay High Court ruled that the water body should be restored but no factual implementation of how this can be achieved was ever given.
One significant cause for the havoc of 26/7 was that this talao was unavailable for any drainage into it. On the contrary, the soil dumped in it allowed silt, garbage, etc., to flow in the drains and choke the system. Be aware! This may happen again.
Today, a great part of the talao area is filled with shanties and sheds. No amount of protests, pleas, petitions and representations to the local elected representatives, the BMC, the state government, has aroused them to act—as if they are acting on the behest of each other. However, Voice of Kalina is relentlessly spearheading the removal of these encroachments and pounding the H-East Ward Office to take some action. The police are totally inactive as the area can be filled with suspicious and unsocial elements who are detrimental to the communities around. Also, these squatters will be a liability to the BMC and the state, as they will later claim compensations for their removal.
Will the authorities heed the advice and act without delay? The citizens of Kalina see this as a last ray of hope!
Loy Dias is the Chairman of Voice Of Kalina ALM
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