The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is reportedly reviving plans for an international-standard golf course on the reclaimed Mulund dumping ground, a move that comes as a proposal to lease a portion of the site to the Adani Group-led Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL) for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) faces a significant hurdle.
Golf Course Proposal Gains Traction
The erstwhile Mulund dumpsite, spanning 64 acres, has been a site of multiple development proposals over the years. While 15 acres are earmarked for NMDPL to establish a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant and a casting yard for the Dharavi housing project for a five-year period, the remaining 49 acres are now being eyed for a nine-hole golf course. BJP MLA from Mulund, Mihir Kotecha, has been a proponent of this green initiative, stating that he has spoken with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) CEO to expedite a feasibility study for the golf course at the Mulund site. Kotecha emphasized that after the five-year lease for the DRP concludes, the land is intended to be converted into a green zone, making the golf course a fitting long-term development.
The proposal for a golf course is not entirely new. In November of the previous year, the PGTI had sought permission from the BMC to conduct a feasibility study for developing a golf course on the reclaimed landfill. The civic administration had granted permission for preliminary studies, including geotechnical surveys, at the organization’s own expense. PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl indicated that the organization is awaiting final confirmation from the BMC before commencing the exercise. The feasibility study will meticulously assess the site’s topography, soil quality, drainage, slope, and other geological factors crucial for the construction and maintenance of a golf course.
Adani Lease Faces Roadblocks
Simultaneously, the proposal to lease 15 acres of the Mulund dumping ground to NMDPL for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project appears to have encountered a pause. The proposal, which sought to allocate the land for an RMC plant and casting yard, was put forth to the BMC’s Improvements Committee. However, the committee deferred approval, with members raising environmental concerns. Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress members voiced strong opposition, questioning the rationale behind burdening Mulund with another major infrastructure project, especially when salt pan lands were already earmarked for the rehabilitation component of the DRP.
The lease agreement aimed to generate nearly Rs 103 crore for the BMC through a five-year lease. NMDPL, the special purpose vehicle for the DRP, jointly owned by the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government, would also be responsible for removing the remaining waste, with the cost being adjusted against the lease rentals. However, concerns about the long-term use of public land and potential environmental repercussions have stalled the approval process.
History of the Mulund Dumpsite Development
The Mulund dumping ground, operational from 1968 to 2018, accumulated approximately 70 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste. Following a Bombay High Court directive, the BMC initiated biomining to scientifically close and remediate the landfill. While a significant portion of the waste has been cleared, the remediation work is nearing completion. The 64-acre site has been the subject of various development discussions, including proposals for public parks, sports complexes, and waste-to-energy projects, besides the golf course and the Dharavi Redevelopment Project infrastructure.
In the past, plans to shift the Mahalaxmi racecourse to the Mulund dumpsite were also considered but did not materialize. The site has also been compared to international examples like the Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas and the Liberty International Golf Course in New Jersey, which were developed on former dumpsites, indicating the potential for successful transformation.
The current situation highlights the complex interplay of development aspirations, environmental considerations, and logistical challenges in repurposing large urban land parcels. The fate of the Mulund dumpsite, whether it becomes a green expanse for golfers or supports the ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project, remains a subject of ongoing deliberation within the BMC and relevant authorities.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
