MUMBAI: BMC has declared its intention to revise the Development Plan for Manori and Gorai villages, covering approximately 19.52 sq km within its jurisdiction. The move will pave the way for a review of the planning framework for the two coastal villages in Mumbai’s north-western suburbs.The civic body has invited suggestions and objections from the public within 60 days of publication of the notice in the gazette.A BMC official said, “This area was initially excluded from the published D and now the process of preparation of new DP has kicked in after due approvals.”The DP would need revisions to accommodate a series of projects planned in the Manori-Gorai belt. This is where BMC proposes to erect a desalination plant, the first for Mumbai.The project, which involves a 2.4-km offshore intake tunnel under the seabed and a 7.2 km underground conveyance tunnel linking the facility to Kandivli via shafts in Manori, Charkop and Mahavir Nagar, has met with some local opposition. Capacity of the 200 MLD (million litres per day) plant, expected to be ready by 2029, is to be increased to 400 MLD by 2030.There’s also a proposal for a roll-on-roll-off jetty from Borivali to Gorai and a sea-link connecting Marve and Manori across the creek to Bhayander which may pass through local fishing grounds.As the planning authority, MMRDA has also proposed road widenings and new road links in the Manori-Gorai-Uttan belt, aiming to designate it as a recreation development zone offering incentives for resorts, parks and a 100-acre tourism hub in Gorai.Manori corporator Geeta Bhandari said she was informed about the proposed DP but is not aware of the details. “I shall be attending the general body meeting on Friday and will gather more information,” she said.Devendra Tandel, president, Akhil Maharashtra Machchimar Kruti Samiti, said they are yet to study the details but have been informed by BMC officials in charge of preparing the DP for the area that this is Phase I in which the area is demarcated and suggestions/objections are being invited from citizens on public amenities for this zone.“The Koliwadas are yet to be demarcated by the state revenue dept. Then areas used for traditional fishing activities such as drying fish, repair of nets, storage, parking of boats, etc are to be demarcated as well,” he said.BMC needs to explain how the DP will affect marine life and livelihood of the fishing community, he said.The decision to revise the DP was taken through a resolution dated Sept 8, 2026, under Section 23 to 31 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide issued the notice on Thursday. As part of the resolution, BMC has also decided to seek approval from the state for appointing Milind Hariram Shidunkar as town planning officer.Citizens can submit suggestions/objections to the office of chief engineer (development plan) at the BMC headquarters or email to dycheplanner01.dp@ mcgm. gov.in. A map showing boundaries for which the revised DP is proposed has been kept for public inspection at the chief engineer’s office.
