[Urbanstudy] Nangla Machi

[Sanjay Srivastava]

For those of you interested in what's happening in Nangla Machi, it now appears
that no one from there -- whether settled before or after 1990 -- will be able
to get a plot in a 'resettlement' colony elsewhere. The recent  round of
demolitions at the end of March, when some 1100-1200 structures were torn down,
had raised hopes among the owners of those left standing that they had been
spared because their papers were 'in order'. However, a recent meeting with
some officials at the MCD Slum Wing suggests that no one might be eligible, and
that the rest of the locality will be demolished without any notice being given.
The latter is done (and a 'Demolition Slip' issued) when the persons to be
displaced are to be offered plots elsewhere. It appears that in its most recent
say on the matter (5th March), the High Court is completely silent on the issue
of alternative plots to the residents. It has merely issued instructions that
the land be cleared by the 17th of May. Of course, I hope this information is
wrong.

Around mid-March (2006) when another 'Survey' was being carried out, some of the
houses were marked 'P-98', and many such houseowners felt relieved as they
assumed that 'P' indicated 'Permanent'. Sadly, it meant 'Post-1998', and at the
end of March they watched in bewilderment as their houses were knocked down
along with the others. During the March survey, many were concerned that the
fact that their houses were not being 'surveyed' meant that they were in
danger. However, they were told that this was a good thing and that only those
being surveyed had cause for concern since this was a survey of 'illegal'
structures. In fact, it now doesn't appear that any of the numbering or signage
system (around seven different types) allocated to various structures over the
past few years has anything to do with the firmness of claim over land. Only
the ways of devising varying systems of classification is permanent. The vast
collection of 'proofs' people have gathered in order to signify themselves
appear all to have come to nought.

Sanjay Srivastava