Congress Leader Opposes 30-Year Lease Of Century Mill Land

Congress BMC group leader Ashraf Azmi has opposed the proposed 30-year lease of 23,822 sq metres of prime Century Mill land in Lower Parel to Peddar Realty Ltd. The lease has an option for another 30 years, potentially handing over a valuable municipal asset to a private developer for six decades.

The land was originally leased to Century Spinning and Manufacturing Ltd in 1927 to house poorer-class employees. After the lease expired in 1955, a prolonged ownership dispute followed. In January 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the BMC, affirming its ownership and clearing the way for redevelopment.

Azmi has questioned why the land should be handed over to a private developer when it could serve mill workers, existing residents, and the wider public through rehabilitation, PAP, and mill-worker housing, open spaces, and civic amenities. He has also raised concerns about the proposed Rs 1,351-crore consideration, citing an indicative development potential of 10.75 lakh sq ft and a potential gross development or sale value of nearly Rs 7,000 crore.

The Congress leader has demanded an independent valuation and comparison with a BMC-led development model before the proposal is cleared. He has also called for safeguards for the nearly Rs 1,000 crore in deferred payments. The proposal will come before the Civic Improvements Committee for sanction at its next meeting.

Nearly 20 years after Century Mills shut in December 2006, 476 mill-worker families are finally set for permanent rehabilitation on the Lower Parel plot. The proposed redevelopment will include a high-rise residential complex, with rehabilitation flats for eligible families and additional units sold in the open market to generate revenue for the BMC.

The rehabilitation homes are expected to measure around 405 sq ft, depending on the scheme adopted by the developer. The redevelopment project has been a long time coming, with the BMC finally gaining ownership of the land after a decades-long legal battle.

The proposal has sparked debate about the use of prime municipal land and the role of private developers in redevelopment projects. As the Civic Improvements Committee prepares to consider the proposal, Azmi's opposition has highlighted the need for careful consideration and independent valuation.

The fate of the Century Mill land will have significant implications for the city's development and the lives of mill workers and residents. The BMC must balance the need for revenue generation with the need for public benefit and social welfare.

In conclusion, the proposed 30-year lease of Century Mill land has sparked controversy and debate. As the city moves forward with redevelopment projects, it is essential to prioritize public benefit, social welfare, and transparency in decision-making processes.