Gujarat now reels from relocation shocks

Gujarat now reels from relocation shocks
MILIND GHATWAI

BHUJ, MARCH 2: Several people in quake-hit Gujarat have homes more tilted than the Leaning Tower of Pisa but they won't hear of moving out, not even if it's the government who's pleading with them.

The state may have the best of intentions in trying to move out people from homes with huge cracks and are dangerously tilted. But instead of welcoming this, people are ready to confront the administration. In fact, the move to relocate people might turn into a law and order problem. On Tuesday, some angry residents of Wokla Falia and Chhach Falia nearly gheraoed an officer's vehicle after he refused to talk to them.

The administration's decision to disconnect power to their locality had angered them. On their part, the authorities had put their foot down to ensure that nobody stays on in the badly damaged Walled City area.

But most people cling to their homes and are unwilling to desert them, come what may. Vasant Vyas and Talab Ibrahim Samru of Wokla Falia told The Indian Express that though their houses were located on the outskirts of the periphery of the Walled City, their power supply too was disconnected.

Supply was restored to these localities on January 27, they claimed and wondered why the administration was now adding to their problems. District Collector Anil Mukim said power would be restored to these areas only after it was established that they are located on the periphery of the Walled City. Mukim further said: ``We want to ensure their safety and so will not allow them to occupy their damaged houses.'' There is no competition between people's safety and the cost benefit and therefore, there was no question on compromising on this aspect.

The residents, of course, have their own reason to stay put. They find the idea unpleasant because no one is quite sure if they will lose their land once they agree to live in a government accommodation.

Residents of Bhachau too have decided against relocation. A top official said the government should know people's minds before it is too late. Apart from the emotional attachment one develops for a long-lived-in house, the relocation could cost residents dear.

The logic is simple: In relocating, a family with a bungalow and another with a hut would end up getting a house the same size. The number of members in a family too would matter. Officials admit that the issue is a complex one.

Dayaram Thakkar, an elderly resident, said: ``History does not mention any dictator who forced people to stay away from their homes. How can a democratic government force people to shift against their wishes? I'm all alone and my house is safe. Why should I go and live in a new place?''

Not just the cost of property or land, the caste factor too preys on the minds of the affected, especially in villages. Reports are rife on how caste consciousness is coming in the way of relocation at villages.

According to Mukim, the administration would have to play by the ear in this situation. But another official said it is easier said than done. Sources said Mukim will rush to Gandhinagar next Wednesday to brief the government about the ground realities.

On Thursday, a presentation would be made to senior state officials and ruling party members on the practical hitches in the way of relocation.

Apparently, only those people whose property is not worth much or those who believe that government accommodation would be better have agreed to the relocation. But most have simply refused.

According to sources, the government should make it clear that no partial relocation of villages would be allowed. The administration has received feedback that in certain villages, caste and religion have prompted residents' wish to relocate so that the ``unwanted section'' can be left behind.