Residents of Bandra's small hamlets set out to reclaim their lost heritage

Gaothans, or small settlements, distinguished by their architectural styles and a way of living, have either given way to the rash of development in the city or become invisible within a crop of high rises surrounding them.

- Sabah Virani

MUMBAI: So that this slice of Mumbai life does not become relegated to the pages of history, the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat (MGP) which works for the uplift of people in these hamlets, is attempting to reclaim the identity of the settlements, under the Smart Gaothan Project.

Resident of old Kurla gaothan, Gleason Barretto, who is in-charge of projects and strategy, at MGP, said, "We have put together a list of 12 features that defined the Indo-European characteristics of the hamlets - from arches in the entryways, wells, plaques with their history, ornate wooden benches, lantern-like street lights, cobblestone pathways, a community news desk, a colour scheme for the houses, and more -- which will be incorporated to revive their faded exteriors."

Alphi D'Souza, the founder trustee of MGP, said a similar attempt to revive gaothans was made in 2016 under a project titled the Gaothan Restoration and Beautification Plan, "but we ran into a few problems".

"Our support system to get the project off the ground wasn't well-oiled, nor had we figured routes of funding. But we have now returned with the same objective, better prepared," said D'Souza.

To that end, MGP has put together 113 members in a team who are assessing 50 to 60 gaothans to tabulate their shortcomings. The members are residents of the gaothans which makes it easy for them to discuss the many lacunae in these villages with other residents. Of the 189 gaothans listed, according to a 30-year-old survey, the network plans to extend its help to at least 100. Gaothans that are missed out can approach MGP for help, said D'Souza. Residents of the gaothans are predominantly from the east Indian community.