On 21st February 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Maharashtra, in collaboration with Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana, took a significant step in advocating for the land rights of the residents of the Indiranagar Leprosy Colony in Miraj. On 20th February 2024, members of both organizations and residents of the colony staged a protest in front of the Sangli, Miraj, and Kupwad Municipal Corporation offices, demanding immediate action for the rehabilitation of leprosy-affected families who had been displaced due to the ongoing demolition of their homes. The protest aimed to bring attention to the long-standing issue of land rights and the urgent need for permanent housing for the affected families, who have been struggling without a place to stay.
During the protest, Mr. Jitendra Chavan State coordinator in Maharashtra presented a formal letter outlining the key demands of the displaced residents. The protestors emphasized that the 28 affected families had been living in Indiranagar for years, and despite multiple appeals, their rehabilitation had not been prioritized. They insisted on an expedited process to provide them with alternative housing under government schemes. The demonstration attracted widespread attention, drawing support from various community members and human rights activists advocating for the dignity and well-being of leprosy-affected individuals.
In response to the protest, the Sangli, Miraj, and Kupwad Municipal Corporation administrations acknowledged the demands and assured the protestors of a positive approach to resolving the issue. Officials confirmed that under the Swachh Miraj Station Road Scheme and the Babasaheb Ambedkar Housing Scheme, the displaced families had already been relocated. They committed to demolishing the remaining western part of the affected area and ensuring the rehabilitation of all affected residents within the next two to three months. The administration urged the protestors to call off the demonstration, assuring them that the process was already in motion and that the authorities were committed to securing permanent housing for the leprosy-affected families.
While the intervention and protest marked a crucial step in amplifying the voices of Indiranagar’s leprosy-affected community, APAL’s State Committee in Maharashtra and Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana pledged to closely monitor the implementation of the promised rehabilitation. They vowed to continue their advocacy until all displaced families receive their rightful homes and are fully integrated into mainstream society with dignity and security.
