Even as survivors of the crashed building completed the bhoomi pujan for the redevelopment of Siddhi Sai Society, experts warn that a Bombay High Court stay order could hold up the construction
Residents break a coconut during the bhoomi pujan for the building's redevelopment on Friday
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Just days after the Siddhi Sai building collapsed in Ghatkopar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promised their homes would be rebuilt. But real estate experts fear that the CM may have built up their hope only for it to come crashing down again due to the Bombay High Court's ban on constructions. Meanwhile, relieved by the CM's assurances, the survivors even did the bhoomi pujan at the building site yesterday.
Last year, the HC had banned the construction of any new projects in Mumbai after the civic authorities failed to comply with waste management rules. The court's order came after repeated fires at overflowing dumping grounds.
While there are certain projects that are exempt, the 1985 building is not, said advocate Sanjay Chaturvedi. "The residents will have to exercise patience and ensure that all the permissions are in place. They need to protect their interests, rather than blindly accepting assurances from political leaders, who should refrain from taking advantage of the situation," said Chaturvedi.
He added, "The CM is bound to be sympathetic, but even if he gives directions to expedite the work, it can only move ahead when the papers and permissions are in place."
Vinod Sampat, founder-president of the Cooperative Societies Residents Association, also said, "It is a political gimmick. The need of the hour is to implement policies to improve dilapidated buildings and save lives."
Another interesting thing to look out for is whether the accused, Sena leader Sunil Shitap, who owned three flats in the building, will be allotted a home in the new construction.
Survivors say
"The CM's statement has brought a ray of hope to us, and we carried out a bhoomi pujan by breaking a coconut and installing a signboard with the society's name at the site," said a resident.
L J Ramchandani, the oldest member of Siddhi Sai society, said, "I already know that the reconstruction work would take few years for completion. I am not aware if all the required documents were in place and, anyway, everything is under the rubble now. The CM has assured us that alternate housing will be provided in two days, but we are yet to learn where."
"Senior officials from BMC and the suburban collector's office visited on Friday morning to enquire about the market value of the flats," he added.
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