Nodal Agency Proposed to Resolve Demarcation of Mumbai Koliwadas and Gaothans
A nodal agency comprising senior civic officials, community representatives, and architects has been proposed to resolve the long-pending demarcation of Mumbai’s Koliwadas and gaothans. The proposal was introduced during a meeting held on Friday in Mayor Ritu Tawde’s chamber in Mumbai, organised at the initiative of Khar-Danda Koliwada corporator Chintamani Niwate.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Koliwadas and gaothans, elected representatives, and civic officials. The proposed agency aims to ensure the proper inclusion of these traditional fishing settlements in both the city's Development Plan (DP) and the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
During the discussion, the Koliwada Gaothan Seva Samiti submitted a draft Development Plan Development Control Regulations (DPDCR) to Mayor Tawde alongside a detailed representation outlining their demands. The draft regulations were formulated following 26 consultative meetings with architect Pankaj Joshi of the Urban Development Research Institute (UDRI).
Samiti president Ujjwala Patil stated that demarcation issues remain unresolved across 12 Koliwadas in Mumbai city and 23 in the suburban region. She noted that while demarcation has been undertaken in certain locations, the extended portions of several Koliwadas and gaothans have been left off official maps, causing serious concerns for the fishing community.
The Samiti demanded proper demarcation of extended settlements and requested a separate Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) or Unified DCPR framework that accounts for traditional settlements, social and cultural characteristics, and fishing livelihoods.
Corporator Chintamani Niwate pointed out that Koliwadas and gaothans existed prior to the establishment of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) yet lack specific development regulations. He explained that when residents seek permissions to repair homes, civic officials state that no plans exist for these areas, leading to unregulated development.
The Samiti also requested protection from demolitions until specific regulations are established. Additionally, they raised concerns about the exclusion of Koliwadas from CZMP maps and land-use changes cited in Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit observations.
Mayor Tawde suggested that the Samiti submit a formal proposal to hold a joint meeting of civic and government officials under the chairmanship of the guardian minister for Mumbai city and suburbs. She assured the delegation that steps would be taken to appoint a nodal officer or agency subject to the minister's consent.
The Mayor added that the BMC’s Integrated Fund could be utilised for infrastructure works in Koliwadas and gaothans, including roads, drainage, water supply, sanitation, public amenities, and specialized fishing infrastructure.
