45 koliwadas protest cluster development

KOLIWADAS ARE LOCATED ALONG THE COASTLINE IN PRIME SOUTH MUMBAI AREAS. FOR DEVELOPERS, IT'S A GOLD MINE

- Draupadi Rohera

MUMBAI: Mumbai's fishing community is gearing up to fight the state's proposal to redevelop their koliwadas according to the cluster redevelopment model, tooth and nail. If the government has the community's best interests in mind, it would facilitate self-redevelopment, they say.

The Kolis have been agitated ever since the previous Eknath Shinde government announced the Maharashtra government's new draft housing policy 2024, only days before the model code of conduct took effect in October, before the assembly elections. The draft policy was publicly announced via the government website, triggering a wave of anger among the 45 koliwadas in the city.

Clause 4.13.4 (b) of the new draft housing policy 2024 states: "Cluster development approach should be allowed for the development in gaothans with necessary modifications. While doing this, precautions should be taken to ensure that the identity of the gaothans is maintained".