BMC To Mark Missing Gaothan And Koliwada Boundaries

22 Sep 2025 CW Team

The clarification follows criticism from citizens’ groups who pointed out that only 52 of Mumbai’s 189 gaothans are currently shown on the DP. Officials explained that under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, the urban development department approved the Greater Mumbai DP 2034 through a government notification on 8 May 2018, making the matter largely one for the revenue and fisheries departments.

Residents of these historic settlements, many predating Mumbai’s formation, have long campaigned for clear demarcation to prevent their neighbourhoods being treated as slums and merged into rehabilitation projects.

Public Interest Litigation No. 55 of 2019 was filed in the Bombay High Court by the Watchdog Foundation, highlighting the omission. Its representative, Godfrey Pimenta, noted that there are still no separate Development Control Promotion Regulations (DCPR) for gaothans and koliwadas within Mumbai, despite such regulations existing across the wider metropolitan region.

According to BMC, boundaries for 22 koliwadis in Mumbai Suburban District and 115 polygons covering 64 village gaothans have already been mapped in DP 2034. Once additional maps are received from the revenue department, the remaining areas will be included.

On the matter of specific DCPR, the chief engineer (DP) stated that while provisions for reconstruction and redevelopment exist in DCPR 2034, these are temporarily suspended. The urban development department has been asked to issue directives on suitable amendments.

Meanwhile, the United Christian Front and other local associations have appealed to district guardian minister Ashish Shelar to intervene. Advocate Alexander Dsouza, representing the group, urged authorities to protect the city’s original inhabitants and ensure swift demarcation of the 137 unmarked gaothans.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has confirmed that if the boundaries of gaothans, koliwadas and adivasi padas are absent from the city’s Development Plan (DP), they will be incorporated once finalised by the revenue department.The clarification follows criticism from citizens’ groups who pointed out that only 52 of Mumbai’s 189 gaothans are currently shown on the DP. Officials explained that under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, the urban development department approved the Greater Mumbai DP 2034 through a government notification on 8 May 2018, making the matter largely one for the revenue and fisheries departments.Residents of these historic settlements, many predating Mumbai’s formation, have long campaigned for clear demarcation to prevent their neighbourhoods being treated as slums and merged into rehabilitation projects.Public Interest Litigation No. 55 of 2019 was filed in the Bombay High Court by the Watchdog Foundation, highlighting the omission. Its representative, Godfrey Pimenta, noted that there are still no separate Development Control Promotion Regulations (DCPR) for gaothans and koliwadas within Mumbai, despite such regulations existing across the wider metropolitan region.According to BMC, boundaries for 22 koliwadis in Mumbai Suburban District and 115 polygons covering 64 village gaothans have already been mapped in DP 2034. Once additional maps are received from the revenue department, the remaining areas will be included.On the matter of specific DCPR, the chief engineer (DP) stated that while provisions for reconstruction and redevelopment exist in DCPR 2034, these are temporarily suspended. The urban development department has been asked to issue directives on suitable amendments.Meanwhile, the United Christian Front and other local associations have appealed to district guardian minister Ashish Shelar to intervene. Advocate Alexander Dsouza, representing the group, urged authorities to protect the city’s original inhabitants and ensure swift demarcation of the 137 unmarked gaothans.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..