Ulhasnagar: A distressing situation has emerged in the Ektanagar area of Ulhasnagar Camp 5 after a demolition drive carried out for the Shiv Mandir Corridor project left dozens of families without shelter. Despite government campaigns promoting women’s welfare and empowerment, several women and children are now forced to spend their nights in the open, some even sleeping near gutters after their homes were demolished.

Decades of living destroyed in minutes

For nearly four to five decades, around 31 families had been living in Ektanagar, building their lives and memories in the area. However, in a matter of minutes, bulldozers brought down their homes as part of the corridor project, leaving them completely homeless. The sudden action has pushed many families into a state of uncertainty and hardship.

“The government talks about respecting women and launching welfare schemes, yet our homes were snatched away during the period of International Women’s Day,” said one of the affected women. The heartbreaking sight of mothers holding their infants while sitting beside open drains has sparked strong reactions among local residents and social activists.

The demolition has triggered anger and frustration among the affected families, particularly the women. Many have questioned the government’s commitment to women’s welfare while they are being forced to live in such conditions.

When contacted, Alka Pawar, assistant commissioner, Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) Ward-4, explained, “The Shiv Mandir corridor is primarily a state government project being implemented by the Ambernath Municipal Council. Since a part of the project area falls within Ulhasnagar’s jurisdiction, certain houses in Ektanagar had to be demolished. The responsibility for the rehabilitation of the displaced families rests with the Ambernath Municipal Council.”

According to Pawar, the UMC has already sent a formal letter to the Ambernath authorities urging them to arrange immediate alternative housing for the affected residents.