The East Indians of Bombay

LAND ACQUISITION BY GOVERNMBNT.
“Time Of India”
Dated 31.7.42
1

Sd/- DeVitro
Asstt. Secretary,
Revenue Dept., Govt.of Bombay . 2

The current airport of Bombay (Mumbai/Mobai) is situated on lands belonging predominantly to the East Indians of Bombay. The British took these lands for Defence Purposes during World War 2. The explicit document stating that this would be returned to the original owners, when the war was over. However, after the war and India gaining Independence, the Government of India refused to hand over these properties. The owners of these properties were forced to go to Delhi to “lease” their own properties so that they could cultivate crops as they were doing for generations.

Over the years the Airport has expanded with more acquisitions and villages being taken over. The Airports are also being privatised at the hands of wealthy corporates, clearly violating both the Bristish and Indian governments assurances to local native inhabitants who are predominantly East Indians.

Old picture of people viewing planes at Bombay airport
Early days of the development of Airport in Bombay. People would often come to see planes. Before the airport it was easy to walk to Sahar from Vile Parla (railway station). Most of the vegetable grown at Sahar found a easy market at Vile Parle, which in those days was the key vegetable Market before Dadar became the vegetable market
  1. LAND ACQUISITION BY GOVERNMBNT.
    “Time Of India”
    Dated 31.7.42

    Assurance  to Owners.
    New Delhi, July 20, 1942.

    It has been brought to the notice of the Governmento f India that owners and tenants of land which is requisitioned or acquired by Government under the Defence of India Rules for war purposes are anxious for an assurance that, if the land subsequently relinquished by Government, their rIghts and Interests will be recognised and, as far as possible restored,  says a Press Note.

    It is the pol Icy of the Government, says the Press Note, that when land is relinquished the owners and tenants should be given the “first refusal”, and the Government of india are consulting provincial governments with view to settling an appropriate procedure. Meanwhile, and tenants of land taken over by Government can rest assured that every consideration will be given to their Interests If Government later decide that they no longer require the land…. Associated Press ↩︎
  2. Extract from letter received the Asst.  Secretary, Mr. DeVitre, Revenue Dept. , Govt. of Bombay, at the time of acquisition of the lands for Defense Purposes at Sahar.
     
    It Is not the intention of the Government to deprive people of their homea and places of Worship.
    The Iand is required urgently for Defense purpose.
     
    The land acquired If not In use will be given/released to the Original owners.
    Sd/- DeVitro
    Asstt. Secretary,
    Revenue Dept., Govt.of Bombay.2 ↩︎