Mumbai: The severe drought in Maharashtra over the past few years has given birth to a floating population, migrating from the interiors of the state to the city.
One such area - Ghatkopar in Mumbai, has a slum currently housing around 100 families. But just two weeks ago, the numbers were over 400.
The reason behind this exodus is rather ironical. After escaping the drought and fleeing to Mumbai, the villagers are now on their way back home due to the pre-monsoon showers.
The monsoons are yet to set in properly and just a light drizzle has been enough to make the sewage water enter the camps of the slum dwellers, thereby leaving them with no option but to leave.
"The children are falling sick because of the rain so we are going home now," says Anita Pawar from Nanded.
She had moved to the Ghatkopar slum with her husband Lakshman and her three children in February this year.
However, the rains are seemingly not the only concern for some of the villagers living in this slum.
Pravin, also from Nanded, has decided to move back after Rs 14,000 was stolen from his camp.
"We are going back because we are afraid those thieves are going to come back again and steal our money," says Pravin.
One such area - Ghatkopar in Mumbai, has a slum currently housing around 100 families. But just two weeks ago, the numbers were over 400.
The reason behind this exodus is rather ironical. After escaping the drought and fleeing to Mumbai, the villagers are now on their way back home due to the pre-monsoon showers.
"The children are falling sick because of the rain so we are going home now," says Anita Pawar from Nanded.
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However, the rains are seemingly not the only concern for some of the villagers living in this slum.
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"We are going back because we are afraid those thieves are going to come back again and steal our money," says Pravin.
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