Khar Slum Demolition

On December 9th, the municipal authorities came to destroy our families’ houses. Luckily, our social worker (Vikas) arrived at the same time as the authorities and asked that the families be given a few hours to remove their belongings. The workers advised that they not only remove their belongings but as much of the buildings supplies as they could, as well. They clearly were not happy with the job they were told to do – raze the slum.

The families rushed to get it done, and by the time the bulldozers started up their engines, everyone with most of their belongings were safely piled to the side out of the way.
The bulldozers went through ‘gently’ without breaking most of the wood and plastic. Pictures were taken to send to the ‘higher ups’. The officials say that this is part of the Modi government’s plans to make ‘Smart Cities’ by removing slums.

Though there are long-term plans that may permanently displace the community, the families heard whispers in their ears that in two or three days they will be able to rebuild.
I cannot count how many times this has happened to this community over the past 20 years. The dance continues…