While residents of the EWS (economically weaker section) quarters in Ejipura are in a dilemma whether to stay back or opt for the Sarjapura multi-storey block expected to come up in a couple of years, Shantinagar MLA N Haris has urged them to vacate and not embarrass him by defiantly living inside massive waterpipes lying near the site.

Lakshmi, a resident, said Haris, who initially helped them get their identity cards and stay there, was now asking them to vacate the place. “First, politicians come forward to help us; but following a decision in the court, they are asking us to vacate without prior notice and earthmovers were brought in,” she said.

Haris, who earlier championed the cause of the EWS residents in the BBMP council meeting, is now in a hurry to have them vacated. “Just before the demolition drive started on January 18, none of the residents had received any notices. It was Haris who had visited the place a day before the demolition and asked the residents to vacate immediately,” a volunteer added.

Meanwhile, Bachelors of Social Work students from St Joseph’s Arts and Science College have been providing the evictees water, food and medical aid. Dorji Norbu, a social work trainee, said that the residents were suffering from cough, cold and sore throat. “Many have also suffered fractures and we are tying to help them with first aid and advising them to see a doctor. Children are suffering from diarrhoea and need immediate medical attention,” he added.

Many elderly people, who have been abandoned by their families, are being convinced by the students to take shelter in old-age homes or in ashrams.