Several people of Annu Nagar, situated behind the Union Carbide Factory in Bhopal, reached the Collectorate on Tuesday protesting who were not provided houses after they were moved from the area.
The protesters said that 153 families were removed from Annunagar 13 months ago, but have not been displaced till now. In such a situation, they are forced to live under temporary arrangement in cold conditions. Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims' associations also protested along with the people.
The protestors told that on December 13, 2022, the houses of the residents of Annu Nagar which is over 30 years old situated behind the Union Carbide factory were demolished by the Railways, because these houses were built on the railway land. The district administration had given plots to the people here in Arif Nagar, but there are still 153 families who were not given space. Many of these people became ill and some have even died.
Despite the intense cold, people are living under shelters made of tarpaulins . The district administration has surveyed everyone and given tokens. Assurances are being given that arrangements for displacement will be made soon, but despite 13 months having passed, people have not been displaced yet.
Bhopal gas tragedy victims association have also raised the demand for displacement of people.
Rachna Dhingra of Bhopal Group for Information and Action said that people protested after reaching the Collectorate on Tuesday. The Collector has assured to resolve the problem soon. Balkrishna Namdev of Bhopal Gas Victim Destitute Pensioners Sangharsh Morcha said that the district administration should provide a house under the PM Awas Yojana, or some other place should be provided where there is provision for electricity, water and hospital.