Empowering Indigenous Communities of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Strengthening Indigenous Rights, Livelihoods, and Settlements Through Participatory Planning

Mumbai's indigenous communities have shaped the region's cultural identity, economy, and relationship with its natural environment for centuries. Yet, rapid urbanisation and evolving planning frameworks have left many Koliwadas, Gaothans, and Adivasipadas facing uncertain land rights, inadequate infrastructure, and increasing pressure on their traditional livelihoods. To address these challenges, the Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI) undertook the Empowering Indigenous Communities of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region project, combining research, community engagement, and policy advocacy to develop planning solutions that recognise and strengthen these historic settlements.

Empowering Indigenous Communities of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Time Line: 2017-2019

Why Indigenous Communities Matter

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region has grown around communities that have lived along its coastlines, villages, and forests long before the city expanded into a metropolitan region. Kolis, East Indians, Adivasis, and other indigenous groups continue to contribute to Mumbai's economy, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.

Women in Vasai Koliwada carrying essentials on foot. Image Credit: Tarlika Rokade

However, many of these settlements remain inadequately recognised within formal planning systems. Challenges such as the absence of clear settlement boundaries, ageing infrastructure, redevelopment pressures, and declining traditional livelihoods have made it increasingly difficult for communities to preserve both their identity and their way of life.

Planning with Communities

The project adopts a participatory approach that places indigenous communities at the centre of the planning process. Instead of viewing these settlements solely through the lens of redevelopment, the research recognises them as living neighbourhoods with distinct social, cultural, economic, and spatial characteristics.

Women expressed their concerns about inadequate infrastructure and unhygienic livelihood conditions. Image Credit: UDRIWomen expressed their concerns about inadequate infrastructure and unhygienic livelihood conditions. Image Credit: UDRIWomen expressed their concerns about inadequate infrastructure and unhygienic livelihood conditions. Image Credit: UDRIWomen expressed their concerns about inadequate infrastructure and unhygienic livelihood conditions. Image Credit: UDRI

Women expressed their concerns about inadequate infrastructure and unhygienic livelihood conditions. Image Credit: UDRI

Working closely with community organisations, local leaders, government agencies, and planning authorities, UDRI sought to understand the everyday challenges faced by indigenous communities while identifying opportunities to improve housing, infrastructure, sanitation, governance, and livelihoods.

A Comprehensive Research Initiative

At the heart of the project is the publication of Empowering Indigenous Communities and Primary Livelihoods of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region including Facilitation of Housing Upgradation and Sanitation Infrastructure, a comprehensive ten-volume research series that documents the existing conditions of indigenous settlements and proposes practical strategies for their future development.

 Volume I: Introduction and research methodology

 Volumes II to IX: Detailed planning studies of eight Koliwadas across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region

 Volume X: Comparative analysis and strategic recommendations

 Technical Handbooks: Planning guidance for indigenous settlements, housing upgradation, infrastructure, and community development

The research was carried out over eighteen months through extensive primary and secondary data collection. Household surveys, GIS mapping, field observations, stakeholder interviews, and participatory workshops were conducted across eight representative Koliwadas in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, creating one of the most detailed studies of indigenous settlements undertaken in the region.

UDRI conducted extensive mapping of physical infrastructure of eight koliwadas identified across the MMR. Image Credit: UDRI and Google EarthUDRI conducted extensive mapping of physical infrastructure of eight koliwadas identified across the MMR. Image Credit: UDRI and Google EarthUDRI conducted extensive mapping of physical infrastructure of eight koliwadas identified across the MMR. Image Credit: UDRI and Google EarthUDRI conducted extensive mapping of physical infrastructure of eight koliwadas identified across the MMR. Image Credit: UDRI and Google Earth

UDRI conducted extensive mapping of physical infrastructure of eight koliwadas identified across the MMR. Image Credit: UDRI and Google Earth

Rather than focusing on a single issue, the report examines indigenous settlements from multiple perspectives, including housing, sanitation, infrastructure, livelihoods, governance, and planning regulations. This multidisciplinary approach provides a holistic understanding of the challenges these communities face and identifies opportunities for context sensitive interventions.

From Research to Planning

The report moves beyond documenting existing conditions by proposing planning and policy recommendations that can guide future action.

The study advocates for the formal recognition and demarcation of indigenous settlements, inclusion of Koliwadas within Coastal Zone Management Plans, preparation of Special Development Control Regulations for community led housing upgradation, and improvements to essential infrastructure such as sanitation, markets, water supply, and public amenities. It also highlights the importance of protecting traditional occupations, particularly fishing, by recognising the close relationship between livelihoods and the physical environment.

By combining community knowledge with technical research, the project demonstrates how planning can become more responsive to local needs while strengthening long term resilience.

A Resource for Policy and Practice

The ten-volume publication serves as more than a research report. It is intended to support governments, planning authorities, researchers, civil society organisations, and indigenous communities in making informed decisions about the future of these settlements.

Each volume documents different aspects of indigenous communities, ranging from settlement profiles and infrastructure assessments to comparative analysis and planning recommendations. Together, they create a valuable knowledge base that can inform future planning, conservation, and development initiatives across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As cities continue to expand, planning systems must recognise that indigenous settlements are not relics of the past but living communities that continue to shape the identity, economy, and cultural heritage of the region.

The Empowering Indigenous Communities of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region project demonstrates how research, participatory planning, and evidence based policy can work together to create more inclusive urban futures. Through its ten-volume publication and community centred approach, the project provides a roadmap for protecting indigenous rights, strengthening traditional livelihoods, and ensuring that development supports, rather than displaces, the communities that have called Mumbai home for generations.