Installation of Reliance Infra electric cabin at Shastri Nagar stalled

In our last week issue, we had carried a front page story 'Shastri Nagar residents protest against illegal electric cabin'. The residents protest have been fulfilled as Reliance Infrastructure have heeded to their demand and have assured that they will not set up a transformer Cabin at the illegal and disputed site. With the efforts of Santacruz Patrika and local corporator Alice Therattil, Reliance Infrastructure Deputy General Manager has assured that they will reinstate the dugged premises and constructed garbage bin to the original level without any delay. They further assured that if the area needs genuinely a substation a proper location may be suggested or Reliance Infrastructure would locate a suitable place which will not create any hindrances or inconvenience to the residents of the area. Further, they have assured that they would carry out work only after complying with all the legal requirements.

During the past few months it is alleged that a political party worker has been on a signature campaign from residents of Shastri Nagar chawls towards construction of unauthorized proposed electric cabin work behind Mohammadi Masjid, Shastri Nagar, Kalina. The construction of a proposed unauthorized electric cabin is alleged to take place after demolishing garbage dustbin constructed by Mahanagar Palika's Fund at Shastrinagar.  There are three public toilets having no .164, 165, 166 on the surrounding and their entrance has been blocked.  There is no vehicle entry passage near this proposed electric cabin and serious complaints have been received from the nearby public residents.

Further, the construction of illegal electric cabin is extremely hazardous as if any fire or explosion takes place the entire toilets will be blown up and a  serious  fear has came into the minds of  surrounding residents. To stop the unauthorized work Alice Therattil had informed N.W. Lalwaney, Asst. Municipal Commissioner, H/E Ward who expressed his unawareness of the permission for the above mentioned work.  Thereafter, Alice informed Mr. J.S. Gheagadmal, A/E Maintenance and Mr. Anirao, Sub Engineer Maintenance and learned that they too were not aware of this illegal work. Further, she had also corresponded with Sudhir Naik, DMC Zone III and Krishna Shenoy, Gen. Manager, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd who have finally initiated action against the construction of illegal transformer cabin.

But while surveying the site and speaking to a cross section of residents they told Santacruz Patrika, “There is already an electric transformer a few metres away and we do not understand the need of installing another electric transformer in front of the toilets.” Another resident in disgust admitted, “It was sometime ago BJP workers of our area made us participate in a protest rally against Reliance Infrastructure inflated electric bills. But to our dismay so far nothing has materialized and on the contrary after the BJP protests the electric bills instead of reducing is on the increase. We innocent have been fooled.”

Finally, all voiced their anger and said, “When we innocent are taken by BJP workers to vent our protest against inflated electric bills, why install another gigantic transformer near our toilets and put us in danger and inconvenience.” Lastly, with the efforts of Santacruz Patrika, Corporator Alice Therattil and co-operation of Reliance Infrastructure and BMC the work of installing an unauthorized Transformer cabin has been finally stalled.

 

KCA's star studded evening at St.Mary's Kalina

The Kerala Catholic Association (KCA), Kalina unit is the first unit of KCA. Last week the Kerala Catholic Association celebrated its 51st Christmas and New Year celebrations at St. Mary's Junior College Hall, Kalina, Santacruz in a grand manner. It was a star-studded evening where a host of personalities attended the celebrations and programme. The evening began with a cultural and dance programme. The Cultural programme was performed by Pallavi Orchestra and dance by Natya Mandalam. Also at the programme the Chief guest Varsha Gaikwad, Hon'ble Minister for Woman & Child Welfare; Government of Maharashtra launched the blessed golden coin of Sister Saint Alphonsa.

The chief Guest Varsha Gaikwad while addressing the gathering kept the audience spell bound with her speech. She emphasized the progress made by Kerala and Keralites in the development of the country. She also acknowledged the high literacy of Keralites in the country and the progress made by Kerala in regard to tourism and culture.

Guest of Honour Kripashankar Singh, MLA Kalina and President MRCC also entertained the gathering with his witty speech in English and welcome words in Malayalam. Rev. Fr. Francis Elavuthingal, Chancellor, Kalyan Diocese also graced the occasion.

Other distinguished guests who graced the occasion were Maltidevi Kripashankar Singh; Rev. Fr. George Vattamattam, Vicar, St. Thomas Catholic Church, Kalina; Alice Therattil, Corporator ward No 84; P.J.Mathew, President KCA Mumbai; Johnson Theratttil, Former KCA President, Mumbai and Chairman Fund Raising Committee; P.O.Thomas, General Convenor, KCA; M.O.Johnson, President, KCA Kalina Unit; Dr Abraham Pattani, Former KCA President, Mumbai; Savio Puthur, VP, KCA Mumbai; M.M.Xavier, Sec KCA, Kalina Unit; Joy Payappilly, Treasurer, KCA Kalina and Lincy George.

In her welcome speech Alice Therattil welcomed the guests and spoke, “On behalf of KCA we are inspired and our hearts are filled with gratitude for the many blessings we received in our lives - we honour the services and sacrifices and pay our humble tributes to our founding fathers and ask god to bless them and their families.”

Besides, the evening was made very entertaining by Preethi Warrier, Idea Star Singer Season 4 contestant and runner up in the competition. This promising artist from Palakkad District and settled in Andheri, Mumbai was also a first runner up of Raagalaya on Amrita TV. She has also won prizes in various other singing competitions. The programme concluded with awards being presented to outstanding students and vote of thanks.

Life, fortunes and mishaps are unpredictable

Beautiful letter written by a father to his son! This applies to daughters too. Use this in your teachings to your children.   

Following is a letter to his son from a renowned Hong Kong TV broadcaster cum Child Psychologist. The words are actually applicable to all of us, young or old, children or parents.   
I am writing this to you because of three reasons 
1.Life, fortune and mishaps are unpredictable, nobody knows how long he lives. Some words are better said early.

2. I am your father, and if I don't tell you these, no one else will. 

3. What are written are my own personal bitter experiences that perhaps could save you a lot of unnecessary heartaches? 

Remember the following as you go through life 
1. Do not bear grudge towards those who are not good to you. No one has the responsibility of treating you well, except your mother and me. To those who are good to you, you have to treasure it and be thankful, and also you have to be cautious, because, everyone has a motive for every move. When a person is good to you, it does not mean he really likes you. You have to be careful; don't hastily regard him as a real friend.   
2.  No one is indispensable, nothing in the world that you must possess.  Once you understand this idea, it would be easier for you to go through life when people around you don't want you anymore, or when you lose what/whom you love most.   
3. Life is short. When you waste your life today, tomorrow you would find that life is leaving you. The earlier you treasure your life, the better you enjoy life.   
4. Love is but a transient feeling, and this feeling would fade with time and with one's mood. If your so called loved one leaves you, be patient, time will wash away your aches and sadness. Don't over exaggerate the beauty and sweetness of love, and don't over exaggerate the sadness of falling out of love.   
5. A lot of successful people did not receive a good education that does not mean that you can be successful by not studying hard! Whatever knowledge you gain is your weapon in life. One can go from rags to riches, but one has to start from some rags!   
6. I do not expect you to financially support me when I am old, either would I financially support your whole life. My responsibility as a supporter ends when you are grown up. After that, you decide whether you want to travel in a public transport or in your limousine, whether rich or poor.   
7. You honour your words, but don't expect others to be so. You can be good to people, but don't expect people to be good to you. If you don't understand this, you would end up with unnecessary troubles.   
8. I have bought lotteries for umpteen years, but I never strike any prize. That shows if you want to be rich, you have to work hard! There is no free lunch!   
9. No matter how much time I have with you, let's treasure the time we have together. We do not know if we would meet again in our next life.   

You’re ever loving Dad. 

Five shops looted at Kalina Junction on same day

During the past couple of months there have been a lot of shop breaking incidents being reported in Kalina and Vakola. Last week it has been reported that five shops had been broke open and looted at Kalina junction on the same day. While speaking to Santacruz Patrika, a shop owner who runs a milk booth at MES Colony, Kalina confirmed and said, “It was early morning I received a call from the owner of milk booth near Kalina Junction bus stop that their shop has been broke open, looted and ransacked. I was informed that my shop too has been looted.” “After being informed I immediately rushed to my milk centre to find that my lock has been broke open and ransacked. Besides, some commodity items and an amount of Rs 2,500 in cash were looted from the counter.”

While verifying with other shop owners it is learnt that cash amounting to a few thousands, mobiles and commodity items were looted by the thief’s. It is understood that most of the robbery takes place in the wee hours of the morning. A resident residing nearby who preferred anonymity said, “The thefts around the area have increased during the past few months largely on account of the mushrooming of many illegal shops which have been sprawling on the footpath near Mathurdas Colony. Despite, frequent complaints no action has been taken by BMC. Most of the illegal shops begun with four bamboos and finally end up as fully structured shops with BMC licence and electric connections”.

Most of the residents residing around the area are disgusted with the mushrooming of these illegal shops and question: Why is the local corporator and BMC not taking any action and remaining a mute spectator by encouraging these illegal encroachers?

Shastri Nagar residents protest against illegal electric cabin

During the past few months it is alleged that a political party worker has been on a signature campaign from residents of Shastri Nagar chawls towards construction of unauthorized proposed electric cabin work behind Mohammadi Masjid, Shastri Nagar, Kalina. The construction of a proposed unauthorized electric cabin is alleged to take place after demolishing garbage dustbin constructed by Mahanagar Palika’s Fund at Shastrinagar. While, clarifying with Alice Therattil on this unauthorized and illegal construction, she clarified with Santacruz Patrika and said, “I regret to inform that construction of unauthorized proposed electric cabin’s work is in progress at Shastrinagar behind Mohammadi Masjid.  There are three public toilets having no .164, 165, 166 on the surrounding and their entrance has been blocked.  There is no vehicle entry passage near this proposed electric cabin and serious complaints have been received from the nearby public residents.”

Addressing further Alice said, “The construction of illegal electric cabin is extremely hazardous as if any fire or explosion takes place the entire toilets will be blown up and a  serious  fear has came into the minds of  surrounding residents.” To stop the unauthorized work Alice Therattil had informed N.W. Lalwaney, Asst. Municipal Commissioner, H/E Ward who expressed his unawareness of the permission for the above mentioned work.  Thereafter, Alice informed Mr. J.S. Gheagadmal, A/E Maintenance and Mr. Anirao, Sub Engineer Maintenance and learned that they too were not aware of this illegal work. Further, she had also corresponded with Sudhir Naik, DMC Zone III and Krishna Shenoy, Gen. Manager, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd and is awaiting their clarification.

But while surveying the site and speaking to a cross section of residents they told Santacruz Patrika, “There is already an electric transformer a few metres away and we do not understand the need of installing another electric transformer in front of the toilets.” Another resident in disgust admitted, “It was sometime ago BJP workers of our area made us participate in a protest rally against Reliance Infrastructure inflated electric bills. But to our dismay so far nothing has materialized and on the contrary after the BJP protests the electric bills instead of reducing is on the increase. We innocent have been fooled.” Another resident echoed, “Since we have been receiving exorbitant electric bills from Reliance Infrastructure, many of the residents have been shifting over to Tata Power. This probably could be the intention of these workers to get an electric transformer of Reliance Infrastructure.”

While confirming if the installation of an electric transformer is of Reliance Infrastructure, a resident responded and said, “When workers had come to carry out their activities we confirmed their identity.” Finally, all voiced their anger and said, “When we innocent are taken by BJP workers to vent our protest against inflated electric bills, why install another gigantic transformer near our toilets and put us in danger and inconvenience.”  

Dawri Nagar Bachao Samiti organizes protest rally

Abdul Rauf Sheikh (On Mic), Subash Sawant along with Dawri Nagar Bachao Samiti members at an Andolan meet (Click photo to enlarge)

About a fortnight ago we had carried a story about a slum dweller and tomato vendor Sadan Shah, residing at Dawri Nagar who was stabbed in the back since he objected to signing any documents in regards to development of slums at Dawri Nagar. It is learnt that Saidham Co-op Hsg Society Madhyavarthi Samiti has been collecting consent letters from the slum dwellers of Dawri Nagar Gate no 1-5 towards consent for development. However, the Dawri Nagar Bachao Samiti is at loggerheads with Saidham Co-op Hsg Soc against the proposal for development.

As a protest, last week the Dawri Nagar Bachao Samiti organized a “Saidham Society Adarsh Ghotala” rally at Dawri Nagar wherein about 300 slum dwellers participated. At the protest rally Rauf Sheikh, Secretary questioned, “It was in 2005 and again in 2007 that Saidham Society had collected documents from slum dwellers towards development. But nothing has been done. Now again in 2010 the same Saidham Society are once again approaching the slum dwellers and collecting documents on the pretext that a developer has obtained NOC for development of the slums.” Rauf further questions, “So far Saidham have roped in three developers for development. But no development has taken place. The irony will be in case all the three developers stake claim and if any dispute arises the entire project will go in jeopardy.”

However, Moula Shikalgar, Secretary Saidham Co-op Hsg Sec denies the allegations and confirms, “We are presently only collecting consent letters from the slum dwellers showing their willingness for development of Dawri Nagar slums. Later, these consent letters will be forwarded to concerned departments for approval. We are clean and transparent in our dealings and vested parties are trying to create bottlenecks in the smooth functioning of our plans.”

But, Subash Sawant, President Dawri Nagar Bachao Samiti does not agree and contradicts by saying, “I have been working on the development plans of Dawri Nagar for the past 18 years but unable to get NOC.” In a recent RTI reply to an application filed by Subash Sawant he has received a reply vide SWAC/3451/247/PIO dated 22^nd November, 2010 which states, “Indian Air Force has not issued NOC to any builder for development of plot bearing CTS No 155, CS No 384 at Santacruz (East), Mumbai.”

But when questioned, Shikalgar replied, “We have not promised the slum dwellers that we have received an NOC but we are in the process of getting the approval” However, time will tell on the development plans of Dawri Nagar.

Further, the Dawri Nagar Bachao Samiti office bearers had approached the Sr PI Vakola Police and demanded the arrest of the culprits who had stabbed Sadan Shah. “It is almost a month since an FIR had been lodged but so far no arrest has taken place and we have requested Sr PI to look into the matter,” concluded Rauf Sheikh.

BMC spends crores for unwarranted projects but cannot cover the dead!

Our publication was the first to raise the issue against the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation's (MSRDC) plans to allot space beneath the Vakola flyover on the Western Express highway to marble merchants. A few of these shops had already come up at the southern end of the flyover. We had suggested that the space underneath the flyover should be beautified or used for taxi- auto rickshaw stands or car parks. Besides, the space should be used for the benefit of citizens and not just used for commercial purposes to earn revenue. Due to our persuasion the contractor lost the court battle and BMC were given orders to evacuate the marble owners who had set up their godown.
Now, with slums mushrooming all over the city, the space under the flyovers are used for slum squattering. During the past few years the Vakola flyover has turned into a shelter for beggars. These squatter families live under the flyovers and beg at traffic signals. It is high time BMC and MSRDC evict the squatters and the space should be given to corporates for beautification.
An NGO while speaking to Santacruz Patrika said that they have been complaining to the MSRDC regarding encroachment of the space below the Vakola flyover. Another activist complained, "These squatters cook their food and even dry their clothes on the fences under the flyover. On a couple of occasions, I even told them to leave the place." He added that the authorities should hire security guards to protect the space under the flyovers.
The MSRDC is facing losses of nearly Rs 1,500 crore. It built several flyovers in Mumbai from 1995 onwards. Toll collected in Mumbai has made up for investments into flyovers, but rural infrastructure
projects need to be cross-subsidised. Commercial exploitation will halt encroachment by slums. Also, since inception some space of Vakola flyover was being abused by beggars, slum dwellers and urchins. R C Sinha, who headed the MSRDC after its inception, had first thought of beautifying areas under flyovers. "But the plan met with a lukewarm response. Flyovers in prime areas got sponsors, while the ones along highways were left untouched,'' said an official.
Later, the MSRDC came up with a plan for pay-and-park bays under flyovers. This was a lucrative proposition, but it spoiled the aesthetics of areas. Currently, the land under the Vakola flyover is being commercially exploited through a pay-and-park scheme. Instead it is used for illegal activities. It is alleged that space is given to parties which violates the norms of the contractual agreement. Today, the flyover is used mainly by vagabonds, drug peddlers, beggars, slum dwellers and all illegal activities.
A few days ago when this correspondent visited V.N.Desai Hospital it was noticed that in a short period of 10 hours around five dead bodies were brought to the V.N.Desai mortuary. It was a sad picture to notice that the bodies of vagabonds were lying unattended at the hospital for hours. Secondly, there was no white cloth available at the hospital for covering these dead bodies. While speaking to the head of the mortuary he confirmed, “Since the Vakola flyover is used by vagabonds and urchins we have been flooded with dead bodies. Since these urchins live in malnutrition and sleep under the flyover in chilly conditions the death cases are on rise.”

Similarly, while clarifying with a constable at V.N.Desai Hospital he too agreed and said, “The condition of the hospital is pathetic. In fact our police have to bear the expenses of providing cloth to cover these dead bodies. Also, to clear the formalities before disposing these bodies our staff has to shell out monies from our pocket.
If that be the case what are the BMC authorities doing to provide medical assistance to the poor and needy patients? BMC spends crores on unwarranted projects, but is dismal to hear that they cannot spend a few rupees to provide a cover for the dead.