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The Bombay High Court has constituted a three-member committee to resolve a land dispute at Danda Koliwada in Mumbai's Khar West, where a proposed slum rehabilitation project overlaps with land used by the local Koli fishing community. The court directed senior officials from the Urban Development Department, the suburban collector's office and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority to hear all parties and, if required, carry out fresh demarcation. Until the committee completes its review, the court has ordered status quo and restrained any coercive action on the disputed land.
The Bombay High Court has intervened in a long-running land dispute at Danda Koliwada in Khar West by forming a three-member committee to examine competing claims linked to a slum rehabilitation project and traditional fishing activities in the area. Advertisement
The matter relates to redevelopment plans proposed by Hanuman Nagar Shubh Shanti CHSL along with developer Jasani Realty Pvt Ltd. The project covers land that the local Koli fishing community says has historically been used for drying fish and fishing nets. Two Koli societies approached the court claiming that around 1,500 sq m of land traditionally used by them has been included in the redevelopment without proper demarcation or consultation.
The court noted that the land in question belongs to the state government and observed that the authorities cannot overlook disputes arising from development activity on government land. A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe directed that the issue be examined by a committee consisting of the additional principal secretary of the Urban Development Department, the collector of Mumbai suburban district and the chief executive officer of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority.
The committee has been asked to hear both sides, conduct a site visit if needed and take a reasoned view on whether a fresh demarcation of the land is required. The court specifically stated that the claims of the Koli community regarding traditional usage must be considered while examining the matter.
Counsel appearing for the Koli societies argued that the demarcation exercise was either not carried out properly or was done without giving prior notice to the affected community. On the other hand, the slum society and the developer contested these claims and maintained that due process had been followed.
Until the committee completes its exercise and communicates its decision, the court has ordered maintenance of status quo on the disputed land and restrained authorities from taking any coercive steps against the petitioners. The court also clarified that if the committee's decision goes against the Koli societies, it should not be implemented immediately, allowing them time to seek further legal remedies. The petitioners have been given liberty to approach the court again if required.
Disputes over land use in the Khar Danda area are not new. The locality has seen repeated friction between redevelopment plans and traditional fishing rights, reflecting broader challenges in balancing urban redevelopment with community livelihoods in Mumbai's coastal areas.
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