The original inhabitants of 41 Koliwadas in the city will get ownership of their land, Minister Chandrakant Patil has said. In response to a Calling Attention Motion in the upper House, Mr. Patil said the demarcation of the boundaries of fishermen colonies in south Mumbai is nearing completion.
The fishermen community has been demanding ownership and transfer of land for long. The motion was tabled by legislators Rahul Narvekar, Hemant Takale, Khwaja Baig, Anand Thakur, Bhai Jagtap, Ramesh Patil and Anil Parab. The fishermen fear their land will get clubbed with the slums identified and being redeveloped under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority Scheme.
The members of the community now reside in Badhwar Park and still have not been added to the list of Koliwadas. Mr. Narvekar said, “There is anger among the fishing community. They will not forgive the government for this lethargy and delay.”
Mr. Patil promised to look into the case of Badhwar Park and take necessary action. The State will consult its officer and find out what has led to the delay, the Minister said.
