Development Plan ‘errors’ irk Malawani gaothan locals

The locals of Malawani gaothan, a village-like settlement inhabited mostly by the Koli community, have expressed shock at alleged errors in the new draft Development Plan (DP) 2034 where the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) marked approximately 500 acres of their land as a no-development zone (NDZ). The residents have said that the BMC should have marked it as a residential (R) zone.

“What shocks me is that the same BMC that had released a draft DP in 2015 had marked the same land as ‘R’, and the DP was later scrapped due to several errors. However, the DP released recently by the civic body has marked our land as NDZ. This is a total failure on the part of the BMC,” said Anna Pathare, a member of the citizen council for social services.

Gaothan residents have alleged that the plan would destroy a village that was of historical significance. “We have been facing problems for the last 60 years, and we do not have access to any basic facilities like proper roads, schools and hospitals. They say it is an NDZ. In that case, how is the BMC allowing encroachments in the gaothan This DP is being released without considering what is beneficial for the local people,” said local resident Mahesh Koli.

Ajit Bhandar, a local corporator from the Shiv Sena, said, “We have repeatedly informed BMC officials to rectify their error. However, this did not happen. I have asked the gaothan residents to submit their suggestions and objections to the BMC and they have done so. If the residents do not get justice, I will take to the streets. People who reside in gaothan are the real sons of the soil and their development is necessary. How can a development plan hinder the development of a part of the population that is in dire need of development ”

Meanwhile, the BMC accepted suggestions and objections on the draft DP till July 31, 2016, which will be heard for two months by the planning committee, consisting of three corporators and four urban experts. Every suggestion and objection will be given a personal hearing.

Meanwhile, Sangeeta Hasnale, ward officer, P/North ward, said, “I do not have information regarding any such error. However, if there is any suggestion or objection, I can assure you that the same will be taken care of.”

Also, in spite of various attempts to reach Ramnath Jha, the officer on special deputation for the DP, he remained unavailable for comment on Tuesday.