The state government has formed a committee to resolve the long-standing issue of delineating the boundary of Dharavi Koliwada, a historic fishing village dating back to the 12th century and home to the indigenous Koli community. The residents have been actively demanding exclusion from the Dharavi redevelopment project, seeking official recognition of their koliwada—their traditional settlement—to protect their village from redevelopment pressures.
The panel will be chaired by Konkan divisional commissioner Rubal Agarwal, who has been tasked with finalising the boundary and submitting a report within three months. The findings will play a crucial role in deciding whether Dharavi Koliwada remains part of the ongoing redevelopment initiative.
On Wednesday, state revenue minister Chandrashkehar Bawankule convened a meeting to address the community’s concerns and directed the formation of the committee. “The committee will thoroughly examine the demand for approval of the external boundary demarcation of Dharavi Koliwada, consult with local representatives, and submit its report to the government within three months. A final decision will be taken thereafter,” Bawankule said.
The Koli community has also requested “extended land rights,” citing the joint family system in the koliwada. Residents argue that the current boundary is inaccurate and that lands owned by the Koli community should be formally included within the koliwada, rather than being subjected to redevelopment, officials noted.
The committee comprises the municipal commissioner, district collectors of both the island city and suburban Mumbai, the settlement commissioner or deputy director of the Mumbai division, and representatives of other relevant public authorities connected with Dharavi. Its mandate includes consulting local stakeholders, reviewing historical land records, and making recommendations to ensure the community’s traditional claims are recognised and preserved.
Source: Hindustan Times
