Government Issues Notice to Change Land Use

The Government of Maharashtra has officially proposed to delete the reservation for a “Marine Research Institute, Aquarium and Exhibition Center” on the Worli Dairy land and include the plot in the Commercial Zone, paving the way for its redevelopment into a commercial hub.

This proposed modification has been issued under Section 37(1AA) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966 and was published on 25 September 2025 by the Urban Development Department. The notice invites public objections and suggestions within one month from its publication.

Worli Dairy Land: A Prime Parcel in the City’s Heart

The land in question — spread over 6.40 hectares — lies in Worli Division, a prime central Mumbai location. Under the Development Plan 2034, the plot was earlier marked as a “Dairy” (EP4.1) and zoned as a Residential Zone.

Later, in 2022, the government modified this to reserve:

• A portion of the land for a Marine Research Institute, Aquarium and Exhibition Center
• The remaining for Government Offices

This vision, however, is now being replaced by a commercial land use plan.

MMRDA to Take Charge of Redevelopment

The shift towards commercial development follows a proposal by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in January 2024, in which it highlighted that:

• The Worli Dairy land is centrally located, making it ideal for a planned commercial and mixed-use development.
• Such development could generate new employment opportunities and contribute to Mumbai’s economic growth.
• MMRDA requested the handover of the land and to be appointed as the Special Planning Authority (SPA) for the site.

Subsequently, in a Growth Hub Governing Council meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on 7 April 2025, it was decided to appoint MMRDA as the Project Implementing Agency. MMRDA will now prepare a Draft Planning Proposal for the site and submit it to the state government for sanction.

Public Objections and Suggestions Invited

As part of the statutory planning process, the Urban Development Department has invited objections and suggestions from the public regarding the proposed modification.

• Citizens and stakeholders can submit their views within one month from the date of publication of the notice in the Maharashtra Government Gazette.
• Submissions should be made to the Deputy Director of Town Planning, Greater Mumbai, at Azad Maidan.
• A plan showing the proposed modification is available for inspection at:
  • The Office of the Chief Engineer (Development Plan), BMC Headquarters, Mahapalika Marg
  • The Office of the Deputy Director of Town Planning, ENSA Hutments, Azad Maidan

What This Means for Mumbai

The deletion of the aquarium and marine research reservation and the conversion of Worli Dairy land into Commercial Zone marks a significant shift in land use policy.

This decision could:

• Unlock new commercial development opportunities in a prime location
• Potentially bring offices, mixed-use spaces, and economic activity to Worli
• Signal a push towards economic hub development in central Mumbai, aligning with the government’s Growth Hub vision

Next Steps

After the objection period ends, the Deputy Director of Town Planning will examine all submissions and submit a report to the government. Once approved, the modification will formally become part of the Development Plan 2034, allowing commercial redevelopment to begin.

Also Read: Encroachment Free Worli Road, Developers Say Will Benefit Area’s Real Estate.

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