Displaced for development: Sheva Koliwada’s 40-year fight for justice

Summary

Located just 54 kilometers from Mumbai, Sheva Koliwada, a fishing village in Maharashtra, has been home to a community that has endured decades of struggle. Displaced by the establishment of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in 1984, the villagers were relocated to a transit camp with promises of compensation and permanent homes. However, their living conditions have remained dire, with inadequate sanitation, no ownership documentation, and overcrowded spaces. Despite the government's declaration of Sheva as a new village in 1987, the community still faces daily challenges, fighting for their rights, dignity, and the fulfillment of long-awaited promises.

Takeaways

• 😀 The village of Sheva Koliwada, located 54 km from Mumbai, has remained unchanged for 40 years, caught between promises and unfulfilled dreams.
• 😀 In 1984, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust was established, leading to the displacement of the people of Sheva village.
• 😀 The displaced people were relocated to a transit camp with compensation and permanent homes, but the conditions were poor: each family received a small 8x8 foot room with no windows or proper sanitation.
• 😀 For decades, the displaced families lacked documentation proving ownership of the land, leading to legal and social challenges.
• 😀 Daily life in Sheva Koliwada is a constant struggle due to water scarcity, with sewage mixing into the drinking supply.
• 😀 Generations have grown up in these dire conditions, with limited opportunities for improvement in their living standards.
• 😀 Despite the government's promises, the families have been forced to fight for basic rights and services, including sanitation and land ownership.
• 😀 The villagers describe their homes as small and inadequate, often built on top of drainage systems with limited space for cooking and bathing.
• 😀 In 1987, the Maharashtra government declared Sheva Koliwada as a 'new village,' but residents still lack proper documentation and recognition.
• 😀 Today, the villagers are determined to make their voices heard, with plans to boycott upcoming elections as a reminder of their long-standing struggle for dignity and justice.

Q & A

What is the significance of the location, Sheva Koliwada, in the context of this script?

Sheva Koliwada is a fishing village located just 54 kilometers from the financial hub of Mumbai, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The village is central to the narrative, highlighting the struggles of its residents who were displaced for development purposes.

What event in 1984 significantly impacted the lives of the people of Sheva Koliwada?

In 1984, the establishment of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust led to the displacement of the residents of Sheva Koliwada, forcing them to move to a transit camp as part of the development project.

What challenges did the displaced families face after moving to the transit camp?

The displaced families were given inadequate living conditions, receiving only a small 8x8 foot room for each family, with no windows, sanitation, or proper documentation proving land ownership.

How did the residents of Sheva Koliwada feel about their new living conditions?

The residents were dissatisfied with their new living conditions, feeling that their promises of better homes and compensation were unfulfilled. They struggled with poor sanitation and a lack of basic amenities.

What was the initial promise made to the residents of Sheva Koliwada by the government?

The government promised compensation and permanent homes for the displaced residents. However, the reality was much different, as they were provided with substandard living arrangements.

How did the residents attempt to improve their living conditions?

The residents made small improvements to their homes, such as building extensions over a drain and creating makeshift kitchens and bathrooms, as they had limited space and resources.

What were the long-term consequences of the displacement on the residents of Sheva Koliwada?

The long-term consequences included ongoing struggles with inadequate living conditions, lack of proper documentation, and a constant fight for their rights. The residents have faced neglect for decades and continue to demand justice.

What efforts have the residents made to gain recognition and better living conditions?

The residents have organized movements, including boycotting elections, to make their voices heard and demand justice and dignity for their community.

How does the script describe the state of Sheva Koliwada today?

Today, Sheva Koliwada remains a village where the residents live on land they were displaced from, still lacking proper documentation and basic amenities, while holding onto the hope that the promises made to them will eventually be fulfilled.

What does the script suggest about the government's approach to the residents' plight?

The script suggests that the government's promises have been largely unfulfilled. Despite the declaration of Sheva Koliwada as a 'new village' in 1987, the residents still face challenges in terms of legal recognition, land ownership, and access to basic services.