Rain Delays Survey Amid Kurla Land Protest

Residents of Nehru Nagar in Kurla East have staged protests against the proposed survey of a 21-acre dairy land earmarked for the Dharavi Redevelopment project. The Land Record Department’s attempt to assess the site has been postponed due to heavy rainfall, further inflaming local tensions.

The dairy land, located in Kurla East, is a key component in the State Government’s plan to rehabilitate residents displaced by the Dharavi Redevelopment initiative. The survey, intended to evaluate the land for potential redevelopment, faced immediate resistance from local residents who argue that the land should remain as open space. A spokesperson for the Nehru Nagar residents voiced strong opposition, stating, “Our community is united in opposing the survey.

While we are not against the overall Dharavi Redevelopment Project, we believe that relocating Dharavi residents to our area would strain our already overstretched infrastructure. We urge the authorities to preserve this land as an open space for public use.” Residents also expressed concerns about the potential impact on local infrastructure. The area has been experiencing significant waterlogging due to recent rains, with one resident highlighting that the open plot currently absorbs rainwater, preventing flooding in adjacent areas. “Turning this land into a rehabilitation colony could exacerbate existing issues with waterlogging and traffic congestion,” he added.

The protestors also emphasised the ecological value of the site, which hosts several mature trees. “Our demand is simple—preserve this land as a green space. It is essential for the well-being of our community, especially as our population grows,” said another local resident. The Land Record Department’s office in Kurla confirmed the postponement of the survey due to the adverse weather conditions. A new date for the survey has yet to be determined. In response to the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority’s (DRA) plan to relocate residents deemed ineligible for the primary rehabilitation scheme, documents obtained through the Right to Information Act reveal that 521 acres have been allocated across various city locations, including Mulund, Kanjurmarg, Mankhurd, BKC, and Kurla. The 21-acre dairy land in Kurla is a significant part of this scheme.