On 7th January 2025, Maya Ranavare, the esteemed President of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), accompanied by the APAL State Committee in Maharashtra, recently conducted a visit to Mangalgad Hill in Kudus Dashaashram. They were joined by the dedicated representatives of the Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana to address a pressing issue impacting the leprosy-affected community residing in this area. The primary objective of their visit was to support and advocate for the rights of these vulnerable families, who currently face the potential threat of eviction as a result of a recent notice issued by the Forest Department.
For the past 35 years, the leprosy patients residing in Kudus Dashaashram have established their lives on Mangalgad Hill. Presently, approximately 50 families, predominantly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, call this location home. Despite living in modest dwellings with limited resources, these families have exhibited remarkable resilience, dedicating themselves to achieving stability and securing education for their children. The community encompasses individuals of varying ages, from young children to elderly residents, all of whom have managed to sustain their livelihoods through determination and arduous effort.
In 1991, the government officially allotted this land to the Leprosy Department, acknowledging the necessity for a secure environment for those affected by leprosy. However, the recent eviction notice issued by the Forest Department has cast uncertainty over the future of these families. The visit by Maya Ranavare and the APAL State Committee, alongside representatives from the Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana, constituted a significant initiative aimed at advocating for the retraction of this notice and seeking a permanent resolution for the residents of Kudus Dashaashram.
They have appealed to the authorities to reconsider the eviction notice and to recognize the longstanding connection these families maintain with their home on Mangalgad Hill. By withdrawing the notice and facilitating a sustainable resolution, the government can ensure that these families retain their dignity and security. The collaborative efforts of APAL and the Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana underscore the imperative of safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities and promoting an inclusive society.
