As many as 150 families residing in Bandal Chawl, which adjoins Central Railway tracks in Thane, have been directed to vacate their homes. The railway authorities claim the structures are obstructing infrastructure works linked to the development of a new railway station between Thane and Mulund.
Residents Face Uncertainty
Many families have lived in the chawl for over five decades and are now grappling with uncertainty after receiving evacuation notices. A hearing is scheduled for next week to address the matter. BJP corporator Sanjay Waghule has taken up the issue with top officials, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar, and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao. Waghule has urged the Thane Municipal Corporation to rehabilitate these families.
Political Intervention
The issue has been pending for a long time. Last year, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhask instructed the railway administration to consider the residents' situation from a humanitarian perspective. He requested that no stern decision be taken without discussing the matter with local leaders. The affected families are now hoping for a similar compassionate approach as the hearing approaches.
