One of the most iconic landmarks of Mumbai and world’s biggest open-air laundry Dhobi Ghat, situated at Mahalaxmi, will get a complete makeover in the next three years. Along with restoring the grade III heritage site, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will also introduce washing machines and mechanised drying areas.
It was Britishers who built 731 washing pens and flogging stones on 2.5 acres of land in the late 19th century and allocated them to dhobis and their families to wash clothes. In today's time, on a daily basis, one lakh clothes are being washed and dried.
The biggest threat to Dhobi Ghat is illegal structures which surround the area. In order to revive the Ghat, the local civic body has been demolishing illegal ground-plus-one structures and notices were also sent in April to remove all illegal structures within seven days.
Talking about the development, Assistant municipal commissioner (G-South ward) Devendrakumar Jain, told Hindustan Times,
We are removing all encroachments. The residential structures and enclosures in the washing area are a fire hazard. The original look of the 731 stones and more than 2,000 water tanks will be retained after demolition is complete.”
Vijaya Mahajan, a social worker for the community, added,
These houses were built before 1992. Where will these families go? They have been washing clothes here for generations. The BMC started the demolition drive without giving enough time. Many dhobis are seeking to file a petition against the civic action.”
Meanwhile, Omkar Realtors and Piramal Realty will spend ₹4,000 Cr to rehabilitate more than 2,100 dhobi and non-dhobi families. Along with this, they will also provide advanced indoor drying facilities, by 2021.
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