Mumbai : Washermen from Dhobi Ghat in Lower Parel have demanded that the ghat be recognized and protected as a heritage structure. This land, located in a prime location, is currently facing the threat of being used for redevelopment.
Anil Kanojia, who is a washerman from the area, said, “We are making this demand not just since this is our livelihood, but also because we want to preserve Dhobi Ghat. This place has preserved its identity in a fast-paced city like Mumbai.”
Kanojia said that there are about 730 flogging stones in this area and over 1,600-1,800 ropes in the dry yard area. The land originally measured 28,156 sq m. Over 21,000 sq m was lost over the years as slums popped up in the area. Only 7,725 sq m is now left, which a private developer wants to use for redevelopment, Kanojia informed.
He wrote a letter to BJP chief Manoj Kotak requesting him to take up the issue. Kotak demanded in a standing committee meeting on Wednesday that this plot should be specifically labelled ‘Dhobi Ghat in SRA’s Annexure II’, which would imply it is an open space not available for redevelopment purposes.