Mumbai: 220 Families Protest Against Home Loss for Memorial in Ghatkopar
Residents of Chirag Nagar in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, are protesting against the government's plans to declare their area a slum and build a memorial to Anna Bhau Sathe, which could displace 220 families.
MumbaiGhatkoparSlum Rehabilitation AuthorityAnna Bhau SatheChirag NagarReal Estate MumbaiAug 02, 2025
After failing to receive permission from the Ghatkopar police to hold a formal protest, the residents gathered at the entrance of their area to greet visitors to Anna Bhau’s former home and share their grievances. Anil Sathe, Anna Bhau’s grandson, expressed his concerns, stating, “We understand that the authorities want to pay homage to Anna Bhau, but does it have to come at the cost of our homes? These are the streets that Anna Bhau himself walked on, and he was a pillar of the community. If the area receives an SRA tag, the community will be scattered.”
Residents have pointed out that officials have claimed they would be allowed to reside in the area once the development is completed, but the proposed memorial would take up a significant amount of space, leaving them with less living space. Shahaji Nanai Thorat, who has lived in Chirag Nagar for 40 years, has been meticulously documenting the notices sent by the SRA. He alleged, “The SRA people have not followed proper procedures and have come here after 6.30 pm some days, which isn’t allowed. They have not conducted a proper survey and are expecting us to move to Azad Nagar, a nearby area. When we go to the meetings and hearings with proper documentation, they never listen to us, but only tell us the date of the next hearing.”
According to Chirag Nagar residents, SRA notices have also been issued to the adjoining area of Sawanthwadi, a privately owned piece of land under minor disputes. Residents of both areas have decided not to accept the terms set by the SRA. Thorat said, “We are not okay with moving to Azad Nagar or anywhere far off. There is a vacant land between Narayan Nagar, Mandir, and Sawanthwadi, and if the authorities build temporary homes for us there, we are willing to shift for the time being.”
The current redevelopment is Phase 1 of a larger plan to redevelop all areas adjoining Chirag Nagar. This paper contacted the SRA but did not receive a response to its queries by press time.
Anna Bhau Sathe (1920–1969) was a Marathi writer, poet, and social reformer from Maharashtra who used literature to highlight the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised. Sathe wrote novels, short stories, plays, and ballads, becoming a key figure in the Dalit literary movement. His most famous work, Fakira, which he wrote while residing in Chirag Nagar, won critical acclaim and resonated with the masses. Deeply influenced by communism, Sathe also actively participated in the labour movement, making him a voice of the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are residents of Chirag Nagar protesting?
Residents are protesting against the government's plans to declare their area a slum and build a memorial to Anna Bhau Sathe, which could displace 220 families.
What is the SRA's role in this situation?
The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has been involved in pressuring residents to vacate the area and has been issuing notices without conducting proper surveys.
What is the proposed plan for the memorial?
The government plans to build a memorial to honour Anna Bhau Sathe, a Marathi writer, poet, and social reformer who lived in the area.
What are the residents' demands?
Residents are demanding that they not be displaced and are willing to shift temporarily to a nearby vacant land if the authorities build temporary homes for them there.
Who is Anna Bhau Sathe?
Anna Bhau Sathe was a Marathi writer, poet, and social reformer from Maharashtra who used literature to highlight the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised. He is a key figure in the Dalit literary movement.
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