Raigad landslide: Irsalwadi survivors set for renewed hope

MSRDC final layout approved for construction for Irsalwadi

The state government has approved and allocated 6.5 acres of land in survey No. 27, Manivali village, Chouk Panchayat, for the rehabilitation of Irsalwadi landslide survivors. Remarkably, MSRDC (Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited), the planning authority for the land development in Manivali village, Khalapur tehsil, swiftly approved the development plan on Tuesday (August 8). They promptly sent the essential layout plan for the proposed construction site to the divisional commissioner, Konkan.

State government officials, speaking to mid-day, revealed that the town planning officials at MSRDC expedited the layout approval process. The approved layout plan was dispatched to the divisional commissioner office on Tuesday evening by MSRDC.

Satyajit Bade, additional CEO of zilla parishad, Raigad, and his team inspect the land

"Within 24 hours of receiving the district administration's proposal for land allotment, it was forwarded to the state government and approved promptly. Radheshyam Mopalwar, vice chairman and MD of MSRDC, along with his town planning department, efficiently approved the layout plan and issued it on Tuesday," explained Dr Mahendra Kalyankar, divisional commissioner, Konkan.

"With the final layout approval from MSRDC in hand, the district administration will formally transfer the land to CIDCO, as directed by the state government. CIDCO will then proceed with their tasks, including tendering and assigning the construction work to the winning contractor," clarified Dr Kalyankar.

In contrast to the multi-agency approach for the Taliye landslide rehabilitation, where various entities collaborated, the Irsalwadi project will be solely handled by CIDCO. The layout plan's approved facilities, such as Anganwadi centres, schools, community temples, internal roads, water and sewage connections, and more, will be provided by CIDCO. In a previous article titled ‘Waiting to Unpack' dated August 6, mid-day had highlighted the plight of Taiye landslide survivors, which claimed 88 lives.

According to government sources, "Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief ministers were personally overseeing relief and rehabilitation work since the landslide on July 19. Hence, the entire state administration, in contrast to Taliye, will execute the Irsalwadi rehabilitation project efficiently, with CIDCO as the sole nodal agency." Dr Kalyankar too opined the same.

About the plot

The chosen plot (Manivali village, Chouk Panchayat) has been mutually agreed upon by the Irsalwadi survivor villagers, elected representatives, and the state government. This plot, previously used for cattle grazing, is set to accommodate approximately 43 families with plots of around 3000 sq. feet (3 guntas). Independent houses of approximately 600 plus sq. feet will be constructed on these plots.

Design of the houses

Regarding the design of the rehabilitated houses in Irsalwadi. A local revenue official informed, it will be solely determined by CIDCO. Once the project is completed, CIDCO will transfer it to the district administration for the allocation of houses to survivors.

Work for survivors

Sunil Parde, an Irshalwadi survivor, expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the local administration and state government during their stay in containers. He was thankful for the Anganwadi that his daughter Bhavika, four years old, attended. "I have no work and most of the day, I spend roaming in Chouk, aimlessly. At least, before the landslide I had multiple tasks in hand," he said.

Ayub Tamboli, tehsildar of Khalapur, mentioned their efforts to secure jobs for survivors. "We are in discussions with private companies and individuals willing to provide jobs. We aim to offer them skill development courses for sustainable livelihoods." When asked about the proximity of the training centres or workplaces to the survivors' residences, the tehsildar confirmed that they will be conveniently located.