Residents of Mumbai's gaothans, former villages within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation boundaries, have welcomed the statement by Sanjay Upadhyay, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Borivali, for raising the issue of 'one window' repair permissions for the localities.
Groups representing residents of these areas, such as the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat, are planning to draft a model gaothan policy. Gleason Barretto, MGP founder trustee, said that with the issue being raised in the Maharashtra state assembly, it will surely help us to take this plan forward in a much better way to have a greater impact.
"MGPs Mumbai Bhumiputra Policy specifically mentions the Gaothan issues, and we look forward to your prayers and support," said Barretto.
Residents of gaothans and koliwadas have alleged discrimination in the way the municipal corporation treats the slums and gaothans. They have alleged that recent policy changes have created an unjust disparity between the rights of gaothan residents and those occupying slum lands on municipal, collector, or government properties.
Disparities in development rules for slums and gaothans make it difficult for residents of the villages to avail higher Floor Space Index, which severely restricts their redevelopment opportunities and repairs, they said.
