Residents on fast to claim plot in Borivli

After approaching several authorities and public representatives to secure an open space of 3,000 sq m in their neighbourhood, residents of Kulupwadi in Borivli (east) have decided to resort to a hunger strike.

After approaching several authorities and public representatives to secure an open space of 3,000 sq m in their neighbourhood, residents of Kulupwadi in Borivli (east) have decided to resort to a hunger strike.

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Residents of Kulupwadi, adjacent to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, have been demanding for more than four years that the reserved plot No 559/C3 in their area be developed as garden or playground. The plot currently is lying vacant and locals claim it is being misused for drug consumption and gambling, among other activities.

Tired of chasing authorities, the Kulupwadi Residents Welfare Association (KRWA), which comprises thousands of residents from around 50 housing societies and chawls, has conducted a signature campaign and collected 1,200 signatures, which have been sent to CM Prithviraj Chavan and civic chief Subodh Kumar.

“The association has decided to launch an indefinite relay fast by senior citizens starting the first week of August. We want the authorities to take concrete steps within the next two months, firstly, to stop the misuse and encroachment of the plot, and secondly, to set up a nani-nani park or a playground,” said HK Rao, KRWA president.

The National Park is nearby, but it is of no use to locals as it charges an entry fee of Rs20 per head and entry is not permitted after 6 pm. Bharat Marathe, deputy municipal commissioner (Zone 7), said: “We will find out the reservation of that space and if it is reserved for a garden or recreational ground, we will develop it accordingly.”