On 8th July 2024, APAL President Maya Ranavare, accompanied by representatives from the Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana, held a significant meeting with the Forest Officer of the Kalyan Taluka Department at the Forest Range Office in Kalyan (West). The delegation presented a memorandum addressing the critical issue of the non-renewal of the lease for the forest land adjacent to the Sainath Leprosy Center. This forest land is not only a primary habitat for the residents of the centre but also a vital resource for their daily living and sustenance.
In the memorandum submitted to the Forest Officer, Maya Ranavare and the representatives detailed the severe difficulties faced by the residents due to the lease’s non-renewal. On August 25, 2023, the Forest Department announced that they could not continue the lease on forest area no. 124/1. This decision has caused considerable distress among the residents, many of whom are leprosy patients with limited means. The memorandum highlighted the immediate need to renew the lease to prevent further inconveniences and ensure the well-being of these vulnerable individuals.
Maya Ranavare emphasized the gravity of the situation, underscoring that the forest land serves as the primary habitat for the residents of the Sainath Leprosy Center. The residents depend on this land for their shelter and basic needs, making its renewal critical for their survival. The memorandum was a heartfelt plea for urgent intervention by the Forest Officer to alleviate the suffering of the affected individuals and to provide them with the necessary habitat.
The meeting and the submission of the memorandum showcased the commitment of APAL and the Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana to the welfare and rights of leprosy-affected individuals. By advocating for the renewal of the lease, Maya Ranavare and her team demonstrated their dedication to ensuring that the residents of the Sainath Leprosy Center continue to have a safe and secure place to live, thereby upholding their dignity and quality of life.
