Rajkot (Gujarat), February 24 A massive demolition drive by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) in the city's Jangleshwar area has left many affected families completely bewildered about where they would find shelter.
The administration, on the other hand, claimed that the action was necessary not only to remove encroachments but also to curb crime.
The RMC launched the drive on Monday to remove over 1,400 illegal settlements along a 2.5-km stretch, and had demolished approximately 1,350 structures by Tuesday afternoon.
Some people were seen crying as large machines brought down their houses within minutes.
For Sharifaben, who is over 60 years old, uncertainty and dependence loom ahead. She had just recovered from a hip replacement surgery, and is currently staying at a neighbor's house with her two sons, she said.
One of her sons works as a daily wage laborer, while the other is recovering from a hand surgery and is unable to work at present.
"We request the authorities to provide us with a place to live in....Only one of my sons is working. We cannot stay at our neighbor's house for long. They are providing us with shelter and food, but we don't want to be a burden for them," Sharifaben said.
Prakashbhai Ramjibhai, in his 50s, broke down while talking to reporters.
"I have lived here since I was born. Now my family does not even have a room to stay in," he said.
Despite his health issues, Prakashbhai continues to work as a laborer to support his family and parents. He spends nearly Rs 5,000 each month on medicines, he said.
"Now I don't even have a place where they can stay. No one is willing to rent us a room. The authorities are not providing us with shelter or food," he added.
Residents claim that the drive was not accompanied by adequate rehabilitation measures.
Defending the action, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Jagdish Bangarwa said that the drive was also aimed at curbing criminal activities.
"Not only helpless people but a number of criminals also lived in the Jangleshwar area. Once the demolition is complete, crime will be controlled," he said.
According to Bangarwa, 61 cases related to possession of weapons were registered in the locality in the last eight years. Also, drugs valued at Rs 52 lakh were seized and 58 cases were filed under the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act in the area, he said.