Mumbai: BKC shortcut road blocked by MU watchmen

Kalina-BKC connectivity road is almost completed. Pics/ Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The Kalina-BKC connectivity shortcut road, which will save travel time, was almost completed by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) two years ago. However, around 17 houses located next to the main gate of Mumbai University have not agreed to the MMRDA's proposal to shift their houses, leading to a standstill in the project for the past 2-3 years. These 17 houses, including some shops, are famously known as Watchman Chawl, constructed 80 years ago by watchmen who worked at Mumbai University. In 2019, the MMRDA planned and started developing the Kalina-BKC connectivity shortcut road, which will save 2-3 kilometres and half an hour travel time during peak hours.

Houses obstructing completion of road

Members of the Watchman Chawl Society told mid-day that they have been living in this place for the past 80 years, originally engaged in farming. However, the MMRDA plans to move them to the SRA society in Appa Pada, Malad East, with accommodations of one room and kitchen as per SRA rules, which they do not agree with. Currently, 11 houses and several commercial shops are located next to the main gate of Mumbai University in Kalina. Some months ago, the residents of Watchman Chawl held a meeting with the MMRDA but did not find a solution for their relocation.

Manohar Lotankar, a 75-year-old resident of Watchman Chawl, said, "I worked as a watchman at Mumbai University 60 years ago. Before that, my father constructed three houses at this Watchman Chawl. Later, the chawl developed, and we got our houses at this place. The authorities constructed this road to connect BKC and Kalina, but our 11 houses and some shops remain. The MMRDA has already relocated many houses in this area. We are ready to move, but the MMRDA should provide us with suitable houses based on our requirements. We have been regularly meeting with the MMRDA over the past two years regarding our new houses, but no solution has been found."

"Previously, I used to farm at this place along with my job, but now only 11 houses remain. We have a garden area and a green atmosphere here, but it is still unclear what we will get," Lotankar added. Another resident, Ashok Lotankar, 49, said, "I was born at this place, and I spent my entire childhood here. I have so many memories of this place. I am ready to move, and I have also been attending meetings with the MMRDA to secure a house in a good location. The MMRDA wants to shift us to a small room. We currently have more than 900 sq ft of area in our home, and Kalina is a prime location in the Western region. In comparison, they are offering us a one-room kitchen-size flat in Malad, which is not acceptable. We are not against development, but the MMRDA should provide us with flats that meet our demands or offer alternative solutions."

Ashok Lotankar, resident (right) Devika Sawant, resident

Another resident, Devika Sawant, who resides with her son Dipesh Sawant, told mid-day, "My husband, Dattatray Sawant, died a few years ago, and he worked as a clerk at Mumbai University. We shifted to this place around 70 years ago. We are not against development, but we need a good deal to relocate." MMRDA Executive Engineer Iftekhar Ansari said, "We are regularly meeting with the owners of these houses, comprising a total of 17 including commercial properties. We have completed the road that will connect BKC and Kalina. The house owners are demanding more space, which we cannot provide them due to regulations. We are trying our best and continuously meeting with them. Our CEO is personally overseeing this matter, and we will soon find a solution and complete this road project."