Humanity was the only religion one could see and feel at Kandivli's Damu Nagar slums on Tuesday as hundreds of people thronged to help the victims in whatever way possible.

Surprisingly, political parties — generally on the look out for gaining mileage during such mishaps — came together and started a joint relief camp.

While several non-governmental organisations, residents associations and individuals rallied their support with cash and kind for the victims, political leaders have decided to ensure that all affected victims are rehabilitated and have all the necessities required to start a life.

"I have demanded the state government that each family should get Rs1 lakh to start their life again. They are here since 1984 and should be given all the necessary help to build their houses again. Until now, even after demanding on several occasions, the forest department has not given them a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for water pipelines, sanitation facilities, electric meters and sewerage system. But now we will not keep quite. They should get a respectable life," said Prakash Surve, MLA of the area.

Terming the incident as sabotage, Surve alleged that the forest department has a role in it. "It is not an accident. The forest department had to rehabilitate the slum dwellers as per Supreme Court's orders and now that they cannot do that. Fire is the easiest way to clear slums. It is a clear cut case of sabotage," said Surve resolving to get deeper into the issue by raising the matter in Winter Session in Nagpur.

Congress corporator Ajanta Yadav said the best thing is that all political parties have joined hands to ensure that poor families are rehabilitated. "No one wants personal credit. Everyone is here to help people. We will demand relief from the government," said Yadav.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up three medical camps in the area. The entire area will be covered by the pest control department as there are numerous carcasses of dogs, cats and rats in the area.

Deepak Sawant, an autorickshaw driver from Magathane, was at the spot along with 10 women with bags full of clothes, bedsheets, biscuits and water. "We have got plastic cans so that people can store water later," said Sawant.

Sunita Gawli, who had accompanied Sawant along with other women, said they wanted to come for help on Monday itself. "But we were told that nobody is allowed to go at the site. We have to help our fellow human being.

What is the use of our life if we cannot reach out to the needy," said Gawli.

"No one among us is rich. We all are working hard to make our ends meet. But in such a situation we have to lend help," she added.

Pooja Varma, a resident from Raheja Reflections, was there to meet and see her maid's house. "She has lost everything. I know her for the past 10 years. I will try and help her as much I can. She and her four sons have lost their house and everything inside it," said Varma.