Nine-member panel formed to fix boundaries of seven Mumbai koliwadas

The Maharashtra government has set up a nine-member high-level committee to settle the long-disputed boundaries of seven koliwadas in Mumbai city, a question that has remained unresolved for 12 years. The panel has been asked to give its recommendations to the state within three months.

The seven koliwadas covered are Sewri, Sion, Colaba, Mahim (including Mahim Market), Mandvi-Princess Dock, Worli and Cuff Parade. Earlier, officials had visited these settlements, taken measurements on the ground and drawn survey maps, which were prepared by the office of the Mumbai City Collector. Several authorities, however, objected to the lines shown on those maps, and the final decision got stuck for that reason.

The new committee will go over the maps again and examine the objections in detail. Before it reaches a view, it will hear directly from those who raised the objections and from representatives of Koli organisations. Other experts can also be called into its meetings if the need arises. The stated aim is to make the demarcation exercise open and quicker.

The Konkan divisional commissioner will chair the committee. Its members are the Settlement Commissioner and Director of Land Records, Maharashtra State, Pune; the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation; the Collectors of Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban districts; the City Engineer of the corporation; the Director of the Environment and Climate Change Department; and an Assistant Commissioner of the Fisheries Department. The Deputy Director of Land Records for the Konkan region will act as member secretary.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule took the decision on the instructions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and the order was issued with immediate effect once the Chief Minister gave his directions. Bawankule said the Koli community are the original inhabitants of Mumbai and that safeguarding their rights is the first duty of the government. According to him, the matter that has been pending for 12 years will now be resolved.

The minister said the committee has been told to study the issue with complete transparency and to submit a report that explains itself within three months. He added that the rights of no member of the Koli community would be allowed to suffer, that their land would be protected, and that development work in the area would be completed faster. With the three-month timeline now in place, there is fresh hope among the community that the old demarcation question will finally be closed.