MUMBAI, April 18 -- At least 35 students belonging to the Pardhi community were unable to take their final exams on Thursday as their homes in Borivali were razed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as part of its anti-encroachment drive. Sixty huts along the Chikuwadi drain area were removed in the process, with families who claimed to have lived here for over 30 years, losing their homes and belongings, including school bags, books and study materials. The children who could not turn up for the exams attend nearby municipal schools such as Bajaj and Sahyadri schools, while a few attend private institutions. This was the third demolition drive carried out in the area in a year, said activists. Yogesh Bole, from the Centre for Promoting Democracy (CPD), an NGO that works to strengthen democratic practices among citizens, including civic education, said the sudden action left students with no time to prepare or attend exams. "When a similar demolition drive was carried out in December, we had requested authorities to provide alternative shelter to the displaced. However, the latest action was taken without any prior written or oral notice," said Bole. Rules mandate that before conducting a demolition drive, BMC give residents of unauthorised structures a 15-day notice. Parents expressed concern over the impact of the drive on their children. Laxman Kale, whose child studies in Class 4, said, "We could not study in our life, but wanted our children to be educated and build a better future." Another parent Shyamrao Pawar said: "We clean the city's drains and gutters though the year; now the same city has removed our homes. We have lived here for 30 years which makes us eligible for housing." Several families said they are now left without shelter, making it difficult for children to continue their studies. A parent, who did not wish to be named, said, "Without home and books, how will they study?" Jagdish Patankar, a member of CPD, said efforts were made to find a solution for the workers earlier. "We approached authorities last month asking for rented housing options, as residents were willing to pay. We also requested support under government schemes, but no action has been taken," he said. Defending the move, Praful Tambe, assistant commissioner of R Central Ward, said, "The illegal houses were removed as the land belongs to BMC." An officer from the education department assured that those who missed their exams will be given another chance. "Schools will be instructed to conduct special examinations for them," he said....