PHS’ executive committee comprises representatives of informal settlements in Mumbai and its suburbs fighting for legitimate water connections; social activists, professionals from all walks of life and academicians collectively bringing the best of their abilities to the table.
Abrar Nassir Salmani, also known as Abrar chacha lives in Bhim Nagar, Mankhurd. He has been associated with people’s movements for the right to housing and basic services. He is part of the Convenor’s Forum of the Transforming M Ward project of Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Ajma Bi Yasim Shaikh, fondly known as Ajma khala lives in the Transit Camp in Mankhurd. She has been associated with Pani Haq Samiti since its inception. She is a fierce advocate for the right to sanitation in slum settlements and villages in Maharashtra. She is a key member of the Mahila Mandal Federation.
Avinash Kadam was an engineer with the MCGM Water Department from 19– to 20–. He, has been associated with Pani Haq Samiti since its inception. He contributes through his wide knowledge of the municipal water system and insightful perspective. He is founding member of Vidhrohi Sanskrutik Chalval. He is a renowned trainer on street plays and cultural songs.
Jagdish Patankar is an renowned activist in Mumbai. He has been instrumental in facilitating citizenship, right to housing and basic services of pavement dwellers and the homeless. He worked with YUVA for more than 10 years. Within Pani Haq Samiti he facilities the access to the right to water among residents.
Janak Daftari is a backbencher from the 1978 batch of IIT Mumbai. He has been a fierce advocate to protect and conserve Mumbai’s Mithi River and promote biodegradable sewage treatment methods. He guides and inspires Pani Haq Samiti through his strategic inputs and technical knowledge on water systems.
Jayparmeshwar Mati lives in Siddharth Nagar, Andheri. He is committed to the comprehensive development of settlements. As an active member of Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan he fights for the right to housing in Mumbai. He works rigorously to assist people to understand procedures to access the right to water in settlements across Mumbai.
Purva Dewoolkar is an Architect by training. To detail explorations of the built environment, she works with TISS’s Transforming M ward project. She is instrumental in changing dynamics of Mumbai’s water supply system with playing role of “Licenced Plumber” for people.
Raju Vanjare is a well known face in movements and campaigns. Specifically he has been an active member of Ghar Bacho Ghar Banao Andolan, Right to Pee and Pani Haq Samiti. His work has focussed on securing the right to land, housing and basic services in slums. He currently works with YUVA.
Shanti Ravi lives in Kaula Bundar, Darukhana, Reay Road. With a desire to develop her community, she began teaching in her community. Later she joined Magic Bus to develop young people in her community through football. Within Pani Haq Samiti she is involved in promoting awareness and organising people to access the right to water.
Sitaram Shelar, worked as Program Director at YUVA. His work has focused on youth development, governance, poverty and the built environment. He has been involved in various campaigns and movements such as Hamara Shehar Mumbai Abhiyaan, Pani Haq Samiti, Mumbai 51 Abhiyaan. He is founder director of Centre for Promoting Democracy.