In another move before BMC polls, govt reaches out to Koliwadas

These decisions are seen as ruling Mahayuti’s preparations for the upcoming local body polls, where the BJP will be specifically targeting the BMC polls.

The meeting regarding the demarcation of Koliwadas and Gaothans was held on Thursday, following which the decision was announced Friday in a press conference by Shelar, who also holds Cultural Affairs and Information Technology portfolios.

Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, “Our government is committed to resolve the long-pending issue regarding defining the boundaries for Koliwadas and Gaothans in Mumbai. We have to ensure the security and safeguard the rights of Koli and East Indian communities.”
Koliwadas are commonly recognised as areas where native inhabitants (fishermen) of Mumbai are traditionally located, while Gaothans are almost entirely populated by the East Indians.

During the meeting, Shelar reviewed the status of boundary demarcations and the Mumbai Suburban District Collector informed that out of 29 Koliwadas in Mumbai suburban, 23 have already been demarcated.

Out of those, residents of five Koliwadas had complained that the boundaries had been extended, so those were re-demarcated.
Demarcation of six Koliwadas are pending, as some parts fall under tribal hamlets.

During the process, three new Koliwadas were also identified.
BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary pointed out that although demarcations have been completed, the lack of DP markings has created difficulties for Koliwada residents, even for carrying out home repairs.

Residents of Koliwadas and Gaothans have been insisting on demarcation as it protects these lands from being declared slums, paving way for the redevelopment by private builders under SRA schemes.
“The official demarcation will provide the much needed security to these communities as it will get registered in the development plan,” Shelar said.
Apart from serving as settlement, Koliwadas and Gaothans operate as sites for traditional fishing activities like net mending and boat docking. Thus, demarcation helps preserve the unique heritage and livelihood of these communities.

Earlier, the SRA had issued an order to stop all its redevelopment projects and related activities in Koliwadas and Gaothans until the boundaries are clearly demarcated.

Gearing up for polls
With the civic polls expected to be held later this year, the BJP has embarked on “Mission Mumbai” to reach out to Mumbaikars with a slew of projects and policies.

Apart from the big-ticket projects which are underway, including the Coastal Road and Navi Mumbai Airport, the BJP-led Mahayuti is taking up long pending issues.

On September 16, the BJP will organise a conclave which will be attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as part of its preparations for the civic polls — this will be the first official conclave under the newly appointed Mumbai BJP chief Amit Satam.

“The conclave aims at giving definite direction to the cadre to get back to poll preparations on war footing. The BMC polls are going to be a do or die battle for the party,” party sources said.

With estranged Thackeray cousins — Uddhav and Raj — dropping hints of pre-poll alliance, BJP does not want to take any chances.
Accordingly, the state government and party are working together to make “Mumbai Mission” a joint project.

On the government’s side it is fast-tracking projects and policies segment wise for Mumbaikars. Whereas, at party levels, efforts are underway to communicate the decisions through events, gatherings and public discourses.

In another important decision, the Mahayuti government has given the nod to rehabilitate 27,000 families on the same sites at Sanjay Gandhi National Park citing that their relocation would impact their livelihood.

Senior BJP leader Pravin Darekar said, “From metro railways to Navi Mumbai Airport to coastal road, people can see the development work of Mumbai under Devendra Fadnavis.”