Residents of the Devipujak community in Ahmedabad’s Gulbai Tekra are in a heated dispute over the redevelopment work in the area. With more than 3,000 families living in the area for the past decade, the survey work for the redevelopment project sparked controversy between local leaders and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
One faction alleged that the AMC initiated the survey work without any prior information or clarification, causing disagreements and dissatisfaction among the local leaders. A group of individuals even summoned the police to halt the survey without providing any explanation or information.
The other faction stated that all 3,000 residents of Gulbai Tekra were prepared for the redevelopment, but some individuals created obstacles in the operation. Local leaders claimed that the police explained the matter to the people, leading to the dispersal of the gathering. The situation in Gulbai Tekra remains tense as the dispute over the redevelopment work continues.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Ahmedabad is a slum that calls itself “Hollywood.” Gulbai Tekra, where as many as 4,000 people live, has seen a steady stream of actors, filmmakers, and choreographers walk in and out. However, residents claim that they do not have basic amenities like clean water or sanitation and live in constant fear of eviction.
Even though the government has earmarked the land for a slum rehabilitation project, it has not been implemented. The slum has a dubious distinction; the illegal shanties were burned down in 2002 during the communal riots, but nobody came forward to claim compensation. They were rebuilt with whatever the residents could find, but the struggle to survive remains.
The residents of Hollywood are at the mercy of local gangs, who extract protection money from them. But the gangs do not bother the film personalities, as they know it’s bad for their business if they mess with people who can take them to a director or producer. So, the actors and filmmakers are safe, but the common people suffer.
The dispute over the redevelopment work has only added to the problems faced by the residents of Ahmedabad’s ‘Hollywood’. While some individuals are hindering the operation, the residents are hopeful that the redevelopment will bring positive changes to their community. They are also urging the government to ensure that they are given proper compensation and amenities in the new project.
The lack of basic amenities and proper compensation for the residents of Hollywood shows the urgent need for slum rehabilitation projects. The government needs to ensure that the residents are given proper compensation and amenities in the new project and that the redevelopment work is carried out in a transparent and fair manner.
In conclusion, the dispute over the redevelopment work in Gulbai Tekra highlights the need for better slum rehabilitation projects and the importance of providing basic amenities to the residents. It is high time that the government takes appropriate measures to ensure that the people living in slums are given a fair deal and a better life.
