Shelar Pushes for Koliwadas to Be Demarcated and Entered in DCPR
With municipal elections on the horizon, the state government is taking steps to fulfill a long-standing demand of the Koli community. The initiative aims to safeguard their cultural identity and protect their settlements from being labeled as slums.
KoliwadasDemarcationMumbaiReal EstateCultural IdentityReal Estate MumbaiSep 13, 2025
On Friday, Ashish Shelar, guardian minister for Mumbai suburban district, directed government officials to enter the boundaries of koliwadas into Mumbai’s Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034 (DCPR). The task must be completed within 60 days. The Kolis, Mumbai’s aboriginal fishing community, have long sought formal demarcation of their traditional fishing settlements, or koliwadas. This step would clarify their position in the redevelopment landscape, shielding their settlements from being labeled as slums and targeted by developers. The threat is particularly real as the koliwadas, being coastal settlements, occupy some of Mumbai’s most coveted real estate.
At Friday’s meeting, Shelar reviewed the status of the koliwadas’ boundary demarcation. Mumbai suburban district collector Saurabh Katiyar reported that of the 29 koliwadas in the Mumbai suburban district, the boundaries of 23 have been marked. The demarcation of six koliwadas is pending, as parts of them fall under tribal hamlets, and the issue needs to be resolved. During the demarcation exercise, three new koliwadas were identified, Katiyar added.
Attendees at the meeting included BJP office-bearers from North Mumbai, senior officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), and civic departments concerned with the issue. Dahisar MLA Manisha Chaudhary and former MP Gopal Shetty were also present.
Chaudhary highlighted that while the demarcation is largely complete, the lack of DCPR entries is causing difficulties for Koli residents, even for home repairs. Shetty noted that Shelar would visit Borivali on Saturday to meet local civic staff and address issues related to the demarcation.
“In some cases, where the demarcation is yet to be done, Kolis are being asked to provide proof of residence up to 1962 to get themselves demarcated as koliwadas, for repairs and redevelopment,” Chaudhary added.
Devendra Tandel, a Koli leader who heads the Akhil Maharashtra Machimar Kruti Samiti, emphasized that most Kolis have their homes registered in their names, but the land is not theirs. “Our livelihood has diminished over time, and we have realized the value of our land,” he stated. He explained that koliwadas are situated on land owned by various government agencies, such as the state revenue department, MBPA, BMC, and Indian Navy, making land ownership a significant challenge.
“Shelar is right when he says land has to be demarcated. We are categorized as slums and legally can’t go beyond 14 feet. Our lands are covered by CRZ and now we want the land to be in our names. We also want our homes to be constructed up to a height of 33 feet, which is allowed elsewhere in the state as per the CRZ notification but not in Mumbai,” Tandel said.
The initiative to demarcate koliwadas and enter them into the DCPR is a crucial step in recognizing the rights and cultural significance of the Koli community. It aims to provide them with the legal and social recognition they deserve, ensuring their settlements are protected from encroachment and redevelopment pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a koliwada?
A koliwada is a traditional fishing settlement of the Koli community, Mumbai’s aboriginal fishing community. These settlements are typically located in coastal areas and are significant for their cultural and historical value.
Why is the demarcation of koliwadas important?
The demarcation of koliwadas is crucial as it formalizes the boundaries of these settlements, protecting them from being labeled as slums and targeted by developers. It also helps in preserving the cultural identity of the Koli community.
What is the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034?
The DCPR 2034 is a set of regulations that govern the development and redevelopment of land in Mumbai. Entering the boundaries of koliwadas into the DCPR ensures that these settlements are recognized and protected by the city’s development framework.
Who is Ashish Shelar and what is his role in this initiative?
Ashish Shelar is the guardian minister for Mumbai suburban district. He has directed government officials to enter the boundaries of koliwadas into the DCPR within 60 days, as part of the initiative to protect the Koli community’s settlements.
What challenges do the Koli community face in the demarcation process?
The Koli community faces challenges such as the need to provide proof of residence up to 1962, the legal restriction on building height, and the issue of land ownership. Many koliwadas are situated on land owned by various government agencies, making the demarcation process complex.
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