Maharashtra Govt Establishes Committee to Define Dharavi Koliwada Boundaries

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step to address the concerns of Dharavi Koliwada residents by forming a committee to define the boundaries of this historic area. State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the formation of the committee, which is headed by the Konkan divisional commissioner. The committee includes the BMC commissioner, Mumbai city and suburbs collectors, and the land commissioner. They are tasked with submitting their report to the government within three months.

The decision comes after residents of Dharavi Koliwada opposed the inclusion of their area in the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) and demanded that their land, on which buildings were constructed, be restored to them. On Wednesday, local Congress MLA Jyoti Gaikwad led a delegation of residents to meet Bawankule. The residents argued that the Koliwada has been in existence since the 12th century and is a heritage precinct that should be completely excluded from the DRP.

The residents also made a request for the local temple dedicated to the deity Khandoba and the nearby Holi Maidan to be recognized as a religious center. This historic significance and cultural value of the Koliwada are crucial to the community's identity and heritage.

Recently, Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL), the special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up to execute the redevelopment project, began barricading Mhada-constructed government quarters, including those of ONGC, AEML, BEST, and GRP. This action was met with strong opposition from Koliwada residents, who claim that the land belongs to their community.

An NMDPL spokesperson stated that the SPV officially took possession of these buildings as they fall under the Dharavi Redevelopment area. However, the spokesperson clarified that NMDPL is not a party to any legal disputes related to the land, as all land parcels vest with the DRP/SRA. The protests by the Koliwada residents are related to their claims regarding land rights with the state authorities.

The formation of this committee is a positive step towards addressing the long-standing concerns of the Koliwada residents. It is hoped that the committee's report will provide a clear and fair resolution to the boundary issue, ensuring that the heritage and rights of the community are respected in the redevelopment process.