No plan to relocate Khori oustees: Gurjar

Bijendra Ahlawat

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Tribune News Service

Faridabad, June 13

With the demolition of 6,700 odd constructions, mainly of the residential nature in the Khori-Lakkadpur village located on the forest land of the Surajkund area in the district, inching closer, the authorities here have no definite plan to relocate or rehabilitate the population of around 30,000.

Local MP and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar, today said that while he was in favour of the rehabilitation of the residents, he would discuss the issue with the Chief Minister so that the poor people do not become homeless.

Claiming that as the demolition was imminent in the wake of the Supreme Court order, there was every possibility of rehabilitating the affected, for which a move could be taken soon. Sources said a delegation of the Khori Gaon Basti came to meet Gurjar at his residence here on Saturday, but could not meet him as he was out of station. DC Yashpal Yadav said there was no plan at present for rehabilitation at present for the Khori residents. He, however, added that the administration would respond to any direction received in this regard from the government.

However, seeking the setting up of a transit camp immediately for providing shelter to the oustees, Nirmal Gorana, general secretary, Bandhua Mukti Morcha, an NGO, said while many residents could be shifted to the flats for poor lying vacant in Dabua Colony and Bapu Nagar here, the rest could be placed in the temporary shelter till their final rehabilitation.

“Why not demolition be started from the 500 structures which have come up in the shape of hotels, farm houses, banquet gardens and commercial units in the area, prior to razing the houses of underprivileged or marginalised sections of society ?” he asked.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that several residents have shifted their valuables or vacated the colony due to the fear of demolition. “Will have to leave soon as the police have been asking us to vacate the premises immediately,’’ said a woman resident.