Residents Oppose SRA Scheme in Juhu Koliwada

Local residents in Juhu Koliwada have voiced strong opposition to a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme being proposed for the area, asserting that the land is officially demarcated as Koliwada, not a slum, and thus cannot be redeveloped under slum schemes. Koliwadas, or traditional fishing villages, occupy prime sea-facing locations across Mumbai, and once designated as Koliwadas by the state government, they are protected from slum redevelopment.

Local BJP MLA Ameet Satam has raised concerns, writing to Mumbai Suburban Collector Rajendra Kshirsagar and the local police, urging them to take action against the builder attempting to push the SRA scheme. Satam emphasized that the government is drafting Special Development Control Rules (DCR) for Gaothans and Koliwadas, reinforcing that the SRA scheme cannot be implemented in such areas. He added that residents prefer self-development and are against any external SRA plans.

Satam highlighted that the developer has been misleading and threatening residents to gain approval for the SRA project. "A fake biometric survey has been conducted, and some locals were reportedly forced to sign undertakings," Satam revealed, noting that this has created an atmosphere of fear among the community.

In response to these concerns, Satam recently held a meeting with locals to discuss the issues, leading to a formal request for an FIR against the developer and associates involved in the irregularities. "I stand with the locals and will ensure no injustice is done," Satam stated.

Juhu Koliwada, like many others, is a historic fishing village, home to Mumbai's original settlers—the Kolis, Agris, and Bhandaris. These villages are located on the seafront and boast a rich history