Alright, so here we go –
Meeting of Minds at Patwardhan Park, Bandra
So, you know what’s been happening at Patwardhan Park in Bandra lately? Well, let me fill you in. A few weeks back, on April 29, a massive fire tore through the Link Square Mall on Linking Road, leaving 210 shopkeepers in shambles. Now, these shopkeepers, along with the owners of small shops known as galas, have been gathering at the park to figure out their next steps. They spend their days discussing strategies, writing letters to government officials and politicians for help, and sharing tips on finding new work opportunities.
Cricket and Worries at the Park
Picture this – on a sunny afternoon at the park, some shopkeepers are playing cricket to distract themselves from the uncertainty looming over their futures. Meanwhile, others sit in a corner, deep in thought about their mounting bills and rents. Take Hema Gadia, for example. She opened her salon in the mall in 2021 after saving up ₹5 lakh from her job. Now, she’s lost equipment worth ₹28 lakh in the fire, along with valuable brand partnerships. As the sole breadwinner for her family, including her ailing mother recovering from bypass surgery, Hema is struggling to cope. She had big plans for her business and personal life, but now everything is up in smoke.
Hope and Disappointment in Nearby Malls
After the fire, some shopkeepers looked to nearby malls for a fresh start, only to be met with disappointment. The rents had skyrocketed from a mere ₹10,000 to a whopping ₹40,000-₹45,000 per month. Imran Shaikh, who ran a garment store in Link Square for over two decades, had to pivot to food deliveries to make ends meet for his family. With two daughters and a wife depending on him, Imran’s shop was his lifeline. But now, with no way to revive his business, he’s left scrambling for solutions.
Seeking Help and Answers
Desperate for support, some shopkeepers turned to former MLA Zeeshan Siddique, whose family had a stake in the mall. However, their attempts to reach out were met with silence. In a last-ditch effort, shopkeeper Shoaib Mansoori wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, pleading for a relief package to revive their businesses. He also demanded an inquiry into the mall’s management for allegedly neglecting fire safety measures. The wait for answers continues as the forensic report on the fire is expected to be released soon. Despite the uncertainty, the shopkeepers remain hopeful for a resolution that will help them rebuild their livelihoods.
So, there you have it – the tale of resilience and struggle unfolding at Patwardhan Park in Bandra. The shopkeepers may be facing an uphill battle, but their determination to bounce back is truly inspiring. Let’s hope that they find the support and solutions they need to overcome this challenging time.
