The rise of India’s landlord ports

The union government has enacted a law that gives 11 major ports powers to develop real estate and commercial projects on their land without permission from local agencies. In the process, it has set itself up for conflicts with states and the general public.

Mumbai’s eastern waterfront is a vast expanse facing the Thane creek. Nearly 600 acres of sea-facing property here—a final frontier for one of the most densely populated cities in the world—is on offer for development. The land is owned by the Mumbai Port, one of the oldest in India and under the union government. Since 2018, the port and Mumbaikars have debated over how this prime property—which is not being used by the port for its activities—can be utilized. Should it be an open space, a hub of public amenities or a swanky business district with offices, hotels and malls? …

Author

Nihar Gokhale

Nihar Gokhale led the Chaos coverage at The Morning Context. Nihar wrote on the environment, the economy and resource conflicts in India. He has reported from across the country on everything from displacement, pollution and environmental violations to land regulation, corruption and human rights. He was earlier associate editor at Land Conflict Watch, and his work has appeared in Scroll, The Wire, IndiaSpend, The Caravan and Mongabay India.

Editor, Chaos

nihar@mailtmc.com

Delhi