If the history of Mumbai is to be written, it cannot be complete in a true sense without stating the significance of the Dhobi Ghat, says Nirupam
The Mumbai Congress alleged that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration has allowed the amalgamation of the existing Dhobi Ghat in Mahalaxmi area, a 140-year old heritage site, with the adjacent plots of two temples to be brought under the slum rehabilitation authority (SRA) scheme, and redeveloped under the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971.
Sanjay Nirupam, Mumbai Congress president on Thursday visited the Dhobi Ghat and interacted with locals. He alleged that it is unfortunate that some people are trying to erase an important part of history of the city. "If the history of Mumbai is to be written, it cannot be complete in a true sense without stating the significance of the Dhobi Ghat," said Nirupam.
He alleged that the civic administration in nexus with the private builders allowed the amalgamation for their own vested interests. "We will fight till the very end to ensure that the locals here neither lose their source of livelihood nor their homes" said Nirupam.
Ravi Raja, Congress corporator and leader of opposition in the BMC also accompanied Nirupam, said that how a heritage site can be given for redevelopment. Nirupam claimed that he has documents showing that the entire Dhobi Ghat, the existing temple and the surrounding open spaces spread over a total area of 2,650 sq. mt be amalgamated and redeveloped under the SRA Scheme.
However, early this week, the Bombay High Court dismissed three petitions challenging the SRA project at Dhobi Ghat. Dhobi Jan Vikas Sanstha and a few washermen, who have licences to wash and dry clothes had challenged the order of the high-powered committee (HPC), which gave its nod to the redevelopment project. The project includes rehabilitating slum dwellers and refurbishing the open laundry.
A senior civic official said refuted the allegation and claims that High Court has already given a decision. "We have a plan for a complete makeover of the Dhobi Ghat in the next three years. We will not only restore the grade-III heritage site but will also introduce washing machines and mechanised drying areas," added the official.
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