Maharashtra: Alibaug-Virar multi-corridor project threatens old age home

The Karuneshwar old age home that is run by the Dhore brothers. Pics/Atul Kamble

The land acquisition for the much talked about Alibaug-Virar multi-corridor project, has put the Dhore brothers worried and concerned, about the safety and shelter of thirty-two elderly bedridden senior citizens and twelve staff, who stay with them.

The ground plus two-floor structure, primarily funded by public contributions and charity, is now obstructing the mega project's progress. Authorities have notified them to arrange for alternative accommodations.

Where do we go

Santosh, 52, and Ishwar Dhore, 48, siblings, have operated the 'Karuneshwar Old Age Care House' for elderly and dependent individuals in Bhangar, Post Waje, and Panvel Taluka since 2009. Initially, they ran it from a temporary location in Chipla village, Panvel, before relocating to a two-story building in 2014.

Santosh Dhore and his younger brother, Ishwar Dhore, who run the old age home

"I have sent over thirty letters to various departments, including the MMRDA, MSRDC, Raigad collector's office, and even to the PWD department at Mantralaya, informing them of our willingness to surrender our property for the national project. However, we request that instead of monetary compensation, the relevant department/state government should provide us with a similarly constructed building. We lack the financial means and ability to obtain all necessary permissions required for construction at a new location, which the government may allocate to us under land acquisition norms," said the Dhore brothers.

Since the commencement of the Navi Mumbai International Project, both land and construction prices have increased significantly. The current building of our centre sits on a land parcel of four gunthas, which I (Santosh) purchased in 2003 at a rate of Rs 10,500 per guntha, amounting to approximately R40,500 for the entire parcel. We have come to know that the government is offering around Rs . 3.25 lakhs per guntha under land acquisition. However, with these escalated prices, it would be impossible for us to afford to purchase an alternate piece of land and construct shelter homes.

Difficult childhood

The Dhore brothers, originally from Gadchiroli district, lost their mother in 1983 when they were young. Their father, afflicted with leprosy, feared societal rejection and sent them to an orphanage for basic education. Santosh continued his education in Nagpur after leaving the orphanage, while Ishwar studied and worked at Baba Amte's institution in Anandwan, caring for patients after completing class 10.

"We experienced the hardship of losing our parents early and enduring a challenging childhood, deprived of their love and care. Sleeping at railway stations, sometimes even without food, shaped our determination to carry on with social work, a legacy ingrained in us from growing up at Shantivan and Anandwan," the brothers recalled.

Birth of the centre

It was in 2009, that a person came to Ishwar and requested him to take care and of his mother Rehubhai Bhandary.

I'd never faced such a responsibility before. But when a man shared his personal struggles, unable to care for his bedridden, paralysed mother, I reached out for help. Thanks to KC Babu's generosity, he provided a room where we could look after Rehubhai until her final days," said Ishwar.

"Word spread and more families sought help for their elderly relatives, unable to meet their medical needs. The turning point came when a woman in her fifties, balancing work and caregiving, reached out. With just two years until retirement, she couldn't manage her mother's care alongside her job. Ishwar and Santosh, moved by her plight, decided to establish a center. Santosh generously donated four gunthas of land to build a home for the elderly," Ishwar added.

When asked if they charge money for the shelter, the brother said, "We charge a nominal amount for lodging and boarding from those who can afford, and those who cannot and are needy, we provide free service. We have come through the hard way and making money is not our intent. Our only aim is to take care of the destitute and elderly, who are left in the lurch, by their loved ones."

Major set back

Last month, the brothers received a reply to their request sent to the Revenue department, Panvel, who categorically rejected their request, which has put the brothers in a fix.

"We're caring for thirty-two elderly, aged 60 to 80 plus, some bedridden, some with Alzheimer's and dementia. Many have nowhere else to go. Despite their distress, their comforting gestures give us hope and strength," said the brothers.

Why to vote

The brothers do not want to miss their democratic right to vote. We have yet to decide on whom and which party to vote for. Our vote will be for the political party and leader, who are concerned about elderly/ senior citizens and protect their right to shelter and treatment with care.

2009
The year the brothers began caring for an elderly patient