ITF Condemns Demolition of Informal Settlement in Gujarat: Leaving Thousands Homeless
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), a global union representing millions of transport workers, has publicly condemned the demolition of an informal settlement in the western Indian state of Gujarat. According to the ITF, the settlement was home to thousands of port workers and anglers, many of whom have now been left homeless and without access to necessities after the local authorities carried out the demolition.
### The Incident: Demolition in Gujarat
The demolition, which occurred earlier this week, targeted a settlement near a major port in Gujarat, a state known for its extensive coastline and bustling maritime activities. The region is home to some of the busiest ports in India, which handle a significant percentage of the country’s import and export activities. Many of the residents of the informal settlement worked at these ports or were engaged in fishing, relying on the proximity to the coast for their livelihoods.
According to reports from local media and the ITF, the authorities justified the demolition by citing encroachment on government land and the need for urban development. The settlement’s land is reportedly earmarked for expansion of port facilities and other infrastructure projects. However, the sudden and forceful nature of the eviction has sparked outrage, especially from labour groups and human rights organizations, which argue that the move was unjust and inhumane.
ITF’s Response
The ITF, which is headquartered in the UK and represents over 18 million transport workers globally, was quick to condemn the action. In a strongly worded statement, the federation accused the local government of disregarding the basic rights of the displaced workers and their families.
“The destruction of this settlement has left thousands of people, many of them vulnerable workers, without homes, without access to sanitation, and any clear plan for relocation or compensation. This is a violation of their human rights,” said Stephen Cotton, the General Secretary of the ITF.
The federation stressed that the eviction has had a severe impact on the livelihoods of the port workers and fishers, most of whom are now struggling to make ends meet. Many of the displaced families have been living in the area for years, some even decades, and have no alternative homes or means of support.
“The Gujarat government must protect its citizens, especially those who are contributing to the economy through their labour. Instead, it has chosen to throw them into uncertainty, without a clear path forward,” Cotton added.
Humanitarian Concerns
In addition to the loss of homes, the eviction has raised significant humanitarian concerns. Many of the residents are now living in temporary shelters or makeshift tents, with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services. The ITF and other labour groups have pointed out that this lack of basic infrastructure could lead to a public health crisis, especially as the monsoon season brings heavy rains and the threat of disease.
“Families have been left to fend for themselves, and the conditions they are now living in are completely unacceptable,” said an ITF spokesperson. “We are particularly concerned about the impact this is having on children, the elderly, and those with health issues. The government must take immediate action to provide proper shelter and support to these displaced communities.”
Impact on Workers and Industry
The settlement housed not only workers involved in the port operations but also those in the fishing industry, both of which are vital to the region’s economy. The port workers, many of whom are employed on a casual or contract basis, have seen their incomes plummet as a result of the eviction. Without a permanent address or stable housing, it has become increasingly difficult for them to secure work at the port.
Similarly, the fishers who lived in the settlement are facing the loss of their livelihoods. Fishing in Gujarat is not just a profession but a way of life for many families. The proximity to the sea was essential for their work, and being evicted from the coastal area has severely affected their ability to catch and sell fish. Many have lost their boats and equipment in the process, further compounding their financial struggles.
“The workers and fishers are the backbone of Gujarat’s coastal economy. By displacing them, the government is not only harming these individuals and their families but also damaging the wider economy,” said Cotton.
Calls for Action
In its statement, the ITF has called on the Gujarat government and the Indian authorities to immediately halt any further evictions and to engage in dialogue with the affected communities. The federation has also urged the authorities to provide compensation to the displaced families and to ensure that they are rehoused in safe and adequate accommodations.
“We demand that the government take responsibility for the lives that have been upended by this eviction,” said Cotton. “The workers and fishers must be compensated, and alternative housing must be provided as a matter of urgency. We also call for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this demolition, to ensure that such actions do not occur again.”
The ITF is also seeking international support for the affected workers. The federation has called on its affiliates and other labor organizations around the world to put pressure on the Indian government to address the situation and to ensure that the rights of transport workers and fishers are upheld.
Government’s Stance
Despite the widespread criticism, the Gujarat government has defended its decision to clear the settlement. Officials have stated that the area was illegally occupied and that the demolition was necessary for the planned expansion of port infrastructure and other development projects. According to the government, the land in question is needed to accommodate the growing demand for industrial space in the region, which is critical for the state’s economic growth.
However, critics argue that the government has failed to take into account the social and economic consequences of the eviction. They point out that the workers and fishers who lived in the settlement have been vital contributors to the port’s operations and the local fishing industry, both of which play a key role in Gujarat’s economy.
The Broader Context
The demolition in Gujarat is part of a broader trend across India, where informal settlements are often cleared to make way for urban development and industrial expansion. While such projects are aimed at boosting economic growth, they often come at the expense of marginalized communities, who are left without adequate compensation or support.
The ITF’s condemnation of the Gujarat demolition highlights the growing tensions between development initiatives and the rights of workers and low-income communities. As India continues to pursue rapid industrialization and infrastructure development, the challenge of balancing economic growth with social justice remains a pressing issue.
Conclusion
The ITF’s call for immediate action and compensation underscores the urgent need for a more equitable approach to development in India. As the displaced workers and fishers in Gujarat continue to struggle with the aftermath of the demolition, the incident serves as a reminder of the human cost of unchecked urban expansion. Whether the government will heed these calls for justice remains to be seen, but for now, thousands of people remain homeless, their futures uncertain.
