Maharashtra: For Irsalwadi survivors, Diwali signals relief

Dr Shinde distributed Diwali sweets and handed over Rs 25,000 to each of the families

For the survivors of the Irsalwadi landslide that occured in July this year, this Diwali marks the realisation of a long-awaited dream. The construction of their houses is set to commence shortly after the Bhau Beej festival on Wednesday. The land levelling work has been nearly completed.

On Diwali day (Sunday), Dr Shrikant Shinde, MP and son of CM Eknath Shinde, personally visited the makeshift containers where survivors were residing. He distributed Diwali sweets and handed over Rs 25,000 to each of the families. However, activists in the area highlight that the promised jobs and free ration kits for this month are yet to reach the survivors, prompting questions about the delay.

The activists also emphasised that eleven families, fortunate to survive the landslide, have not received any monetary compensation. A senior official from the Chief Minister's office confirmed Dr Shinde's visit and assured that the construction of houses would be completed by March 2024.

Joy amidst concerns

Locals joyfully shared that Dr Shinde's visit on Sunday brought happiness to the children and elders. A large Diwali lantern adorned the entrance of the containers, and Dr Shinde distributed sweets, firecrackers, and Rs 25,000 to each of the forty-three families living there, according to survivor Jagdish Parde.

Also read: Maharashtra: Desperate for Diwali cash, bonded labourer brutally caned in Palghar

Makeshift containers where the survivors now live

Grateful for the leader's gesture, Parde said, "Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is a man of his word. He stood by us from day one, and we are hopeful that our homes will be ready by the next monsoon. We also hope that those without jobs will find employment soon."
Unmet needs

Madhav Maruthi Supak, a survivor, pointed out that the families who survived the landslide are yet to receive promised jobs, unlike those who lost their lives. He expressed disappointment that these eleven families did not receive any financial support and mentioned the altered spirit of Diwali for Irsalwadi villagers.

Madhav said, "Many youths, aged 19 to 25, in the containers, are unemployed. The free ration kit, received until October, has not been delivered for November. We are managing with leftover supplies from the previous month."

Advocate Siddharth Ingle, closely working with activists, emphasised the importance of providing jobs or skills training to the unemployed youth. He urged authorities to ensure timely construction to avoid delays similar to the Taliye landslide victims.

Land levelling work is going on at the construction site

"The need of the hour is to ensure that the young boys in the age group of 19 to 25 years, who are jobless at present, their hands need work, and hence they should get a job immediately or should be provided with skill training, so that they can be self-dependent," Ingle said.

Diwali will never be the same

Madhav recalled, "Diwali used to be the celebration time for villagers, all the houses on the hilltop, would be lit, villagers would spend time distributing sweets, bursting crackers and lighting up their houses, but Diwali will never be the same for us, anymore."

Progress on rehabilitation

The state government has approved 6.5 acres of land in Manivali village for the rehabilitation of Irsalwadi landslide survivors. The levelled plot, previously used for cattle grazing, will provide approximately 3000 sq feet plots for each of the 43 families, with houses of around 600 sq feet of carpet area.

Design of the houses

CIDCO, the overseeing agency, will decide the design, layout, and construction. The Assistant Block Development Officer, C H Rajput, expressed optimism that the construction would be completed before the next monsoon.

"The CIDCO-appointed contractor has already constructed their site office and will be constructing the houses, as per the approved layout on 3 guntas of land each family," the official said.

Fastest rehabilitation ever

"If all goes as planned, construction, including facilities like a community centre, dispensary, and Anganwadi, for the entire village's rehabilitation, is expected to be completed in five to six months. This would mark the fastest rehabilitation of natural calamity victims in Maharashtra, unprecedented in its urgency," stated an anonymous government official.

Job offers and ration distribution

A government official stated that job offers were initially planned but faced obstacles, efforts are underway to provide training for self-employment. Local Guardian Minister, Uday Samant, would meet with survivors to address the job issue.

Regarding ration distribution, the officer clarified that delays might occur, but the fair price shop, responsible for supplying ration kits, will distribute them once they receive their supplies.

Ongoing restrictions

About the restriction on visiting the landslide site, the officer said, "The order restricting entry to the site remains in effect. We advise against visiting to prevent potential incidents due to weakened soils from the hill locks. Despite warnings, some locals continue to visit, but we stress the importance of refraining for safety."

Mar 2024
Time by when the construction will be completed