Mumbai: Ravindra Waikar, Member of Parliament from Mumbai North West, raised a significant issue in the Lok Sabha today under Rule 377, urging the Union Government to frame a special housing scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for residents living in protected forest areas and Aarey Colony in Mumbai. He also demanded immediate provision of basic civic amenities such as water, electricity, roads, sanitation, and healthcare on humanitarian grounds until the rehabilitation process is completed.
MP Ravindra Waikar Highlights The Plight Of Residents
Highlighting the plight of residents in Aarey Colony, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Appa Pada—many of whom belong to tribal communities—Waikar said that numerous informal settlements have existed in these protected forest regions for decades. Despite the large population, residents continue to live without access to essential services.
“The process of rehabilitation is long and uncertain. Until it is completed, it is imperative to improve the living conditions of these citizens. Ensuring access to basic amenities is not just a humanitarian necessity, but also their constitutional right,” Waikar asserted.
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a home and basic facilities for every Indian citizen. “To make this vision a reality, a special housing scheme should be launched under PMAY for forest-dwellers and Aarey residents. Permanent housing should be provided under this scheme, and until then, the government must ensure access to drinking water, electricity, toilets, roads, and healthcare services,” Waikar emphasized.
