PUNE: Over 500 slum dwellers residing near Kamgar Putla protested outside the Collector’s Office on Wednesday, demanding rehabilitation in the same area. Apparently, the slum is to be demolished for carrying out metro work.

“There are a total of 450 huts in the area and we have been living here for many years. Now suddenly, we have been asked to leave the place as metro project is coming up in the area. We are not against the metro work, but proper rehabilitation should be provided to us in the same place where we are now living,” said Amar Lokhande, a slum dweller who works as a labourer. “The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme also has been planned here,” he added.

Hemant Sonanawane, General Manager (HR and PR) of Pune Metro said, “The metro is coming in the area and it is technically not possible for us to shift the metro line and since the area is SRA declared, we have approached SRA regarding the problem. In this case, the metro can do very little and SRA is the main authority. They will take care of the issue as per the norms.”

Rajendra Nimbalkar, Chief Executive Officer of SRA, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad said, “This issue is related to Pune Metro. The SRA, PMC and district administration rehabilitate only eligible slum dwellers which depends on the buffer stock. We are conducting meetings with Pune metro, PMC and district administration to get a clear picture of the land which will be available after the metro work is done. Thereafter, the decision will be taken.”