After Bihar Bhavan plan, Kolis ask: When will Mumbai’s originals be developed?

Cops look on as community protests shrinking fishing space in 2021

Sharad Vasudeo Koli, an advocate living in Worli Koliwada, emailed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on January 20. Sharad Koli, who is 50 years old, said the immediate trigger for his communication was reports across mainstream media about "the construction of a Bihar Bhavan at a cost of approximately Rs 314 crore in Mumbai."

The Bihar Government has planned a modern, multi-storey Bihar Bhavan at Sandhurst Road on Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) land. The proposed Bihar Bhavan initial reports stated will be a ground plus 30-floor structure.

"This," said Sharad Koli, "Made me mail our CM to prioritise development of Mumbai's indigenous Koli community and Koliwadas." Sharad Koli asked in his email after referencing Bihar Bhavan, "When will focused and meaningful development be undertaken for Mumbai's indigenous Koli community?"

Coast homes

Sharad Koli added, "The Kolis have lived along Mumbai's coastline for centuries. They have always welcomed migrants with openness, contributing to the social fabric and economic growth of the city. Despite this, the community continues to face systemic neglect when it comes to housing redevelopment, livelihood protection, and basic infrastructure improvement."

Sharad Koli knows about living on the coastline. He lives in Worli, in the same home that his great, great, great-grandfather and generations down that family tree have lived. He said in his mail, "The development of Koliwadas has been severely restricted due to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations and multiple central and state-level laws. As a result, Koli families are unable to redevelop their ancestral homes, improve living conditions, or benefit from urban development enjoyed by other parts of the city. At the same time, major infrastructure projects such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) and the Mumbai Coastal Road have significantly affected traditional fishing activities, leading to loss of livelihood, without adequate compensation or long-term rehabilitation measures."

The advocate outlined a slew of measures.

The measures

>> Introduction of a special Koliwada Development Policy for Mumbai.
>> Grant of additional / special FSI for the redevelopment of Koliwadas.
>> Fast-track and single-window approvals for redevelopment proposals in Koli settlements.
>> Protection, compensation, and sustainable livelihood schemes for fishermen affected by coastal infrastructure projects.
>> Recognition of Koliwadas as heritage and cultural settlements, while allowing regulated and humane development.

Need dignity

Sharad Koli insisted that he was not being ‘entitled' as an "original inhabitant." He said that just like any physical structure needs a secure base to start building on it, so does a demographic system. He said, "True inclusive development begins by strengthening those who have always belonged to this land. Before allocating substantial public funds for symbolic or external infrastructure, it is essential that the State ensures justice, dignity, and development for Mumbai's original inhabitants." He signed off the mail as a "True, concerned citizen of Mumbai." Sharad Koli said, "I am an advocate, a sixth generation descendent of this family living in Worli and so can be a voice for his community. I can see my email addressed to the CM has been sent to the Municipal Commissioner B Gagrani. There are cynics who may question what correspondence may achieve, but it is their attitude that needs questioning."

A balance

For years now, some Koliwada residents have been clamouring for the development green light. Yet, there is a section that thinks a way of life will be diluted with development. Sharad Koli insisted, "If Koliwadas are developed with vision, it is possible to balance tradition and development."

Several point out that Sharad Koli is not a fisherman himself. Sharad Koli said, "I am an advocate, as my father was a government servant. I am not a fisherman, but here, most of the community is into fishing. That work needs to be protected. While some youngsters from the community may veer away from fishing, this is the Koli livelihood and its identity. Somebody has to fish, right?" asked Sharad Koli.

The advocate highlighted that Kolis understood that the megapolis is a magnet, and it will naturally attract people for economic opportunities. "We need, though, to safeguard those who have always been there," he concluded.