Residents of Govandi have urged the Maharashtra government to reconsider plans for a full-scale prison complex on an 11-acre land parcel at Sathe Nagar along the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road and instead adopt a mixed-use public welfare development model.
In a representation submitted to Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and senior civic officials, Faiyaz Alam Shaikh proposed a “Hybrid Public Welfare-Cum-Institutional Model” for the site rather than converting the entire parcel into a prison facility.
According to the proposal, only a limited portion of the land would be reserved for institutional or security-related infrastructure, while the remaining area would be developed for healthcare, education, rehabilitation services, employment generation, and public amenities.
Shaikh stated that the land was historically under the Revenue Department and previously housed industrial activity, including a soap manufacturing unit. He further noted that in 2023, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had proposed using the site for organised retail markets, vending zones, and parking facilities aimed at supporting livelihoods in Govandi, Mankhurd, and the M-East Ward.
Under the proposed master plan, three acres have been suggested for a government hospital, trauma centre, medical college, and women-and-children healthcare facilities. Another two acres have been earmarked for a degree college, nursing institute, and skill development centre, while 1.5 acres have been proposed for drug de-addiction, mental health, and rehabilitation services.
The proposal also includes organised retail markets, hawker zones, parking areas, community halls, and open spaces, while limiting prison-related infrastructure to approximately one acre.
Shaikh clarified that the forum is not opposing prison reforms but is advocating “balanced and welfare-oriented urban planning” in one of Mumbai’s economically vulnerable areas. The group has also sought public consultations, social impact assessments, and disclosure of land-use conversion records before any final construction activity begins.
The proposed jail project is intended to reduce overcrowding at the Arthur Road Jail and Turbhe Jail facilities.
Source: The Free Press Journal
