The arrival of the rains has robbed residents of the hilltop slums of Vikhroli’s Suryanagar of sleep. Ever since two major landslides occurred in the area, in 2017 and 2021, costing life and property, residents have to scout for alternative shelter during the three rainy months. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials have made it clear to the locals that in the case of loss of life or property, the civic body cannot be held responsible. This year too, notices were pasted at several spots in Suryanagar as well. “But finding a house is difficult,” said Ranjana Narwade, who has been living in a single room with her husband and their 23-year-old son, Aakash, for the past twenty years. “Nobody wants a tenant for such a short duration,” she added.

Danger zones

In 2021, the BMC identified 291 landslide-prone spots in the city. Annually, the civic body starts making announcements in such areas by April and May, asking the residents to vacate their homes due to the risk to their lives.