Escalating their protest against the proposed Rispana-Bindal elevated road project, the 'Basti Bachao Andolan' has announced a massive drive to collect 100,000 signatures from affected families. These signatures will be attached to a memorandum addressed to the Chief Secretary, demanding the cancellation of the project and the protection of settlement residents' rights.
Current Status Of The Campaign
During a meeting held on Thursday at the settlement in Bindal, organisers revealed that approximately 40,000 signatures have already been collected. Convenor Anant Akash stated that the government’s approval of the elevated road project estimated to cost Rs 6,200 crore—has created a state of fear and uncertainty among thousands of working-class families.
Key Issues And Demands
Speakers at the meeting highlighted that there are more than 150 settlements situated along the banks of the Rispana and Bindal rivers. The organisation recalled that during the local body elections, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had assured residents of slums (malin basti) and informal settlements (kacchi basti) that they would not be evicted.
The Andolan has outlined specific demands:
- Cancellation of the Rispana-Bindal elevated road project.
- Ownership rights or rehabilitation for every affected family.
- Adequate assistance for recent flood victims.
- A stay on the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) eviction order.
- Prioritisation of public transport and general infrastructure development over the elevated road.
Key Attendees
Several prominent activists and community leaders were present at the meeting, including CITU General Secretary Lekhraj, Janwadi Mahila Samiti State Vice President Indu Naudiyal, Bhagwant, Viplav Anant, Nuraisha Ansari, Seema, Binda Mishra, Shabnam and Ravindra Naudiyal.