Once an indelible part of Mumbai’s landscape, many gaothans are now struggling to exist in a city that is aiming for the skies. We do a realty check at four prominent gaothans.
Khotachiwadi: The cosmopolitan gaothan
Located in the commercial heart of Girgaum is the charming little
Andheri Gaothan: Dying a slow death
Just a few feet from Andheri railway station is a narrow, dingy lane that leads to the Andheri gaothan. But those hoping to find ancient cottages and Portuguese-style bungalows here are in for a rude shock. Pale yellow Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) buildings dot the area. If you look harder, you will find a few decrepit cottages made of stone and wood with thatched bamboo roofs. The area once boasted of as many as 50 magnificent cottages, but the number has come down to a mere 15, all thanks to rampant illegal construction.
Nestled cosily in Bandra’s belly is the quaint Chuim village with its matrix of wooden cottages and two-storey structures. The old bungalows still look robust and unique with their wooden frameworks, circular staircases, iron-grilled windows, and attics. Pot-bellied senior citizens relax in their verandahs watching life move by while the womenfolk break into small discussions with verve in the narrow by-lanes. People here continue to live their laidback lives, completely oblivious to the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.
Chembur Gaothan: Away from the bustle
Situated a short distance away from the railway station is Chembur gaothan. Another laidback gaothan within the maximum city, the place has a peculiar history of its own. At present, there are 150 structures, mainly old Portuguese-style cottages, in the gaothan. While most of the cottages are well-maintained, some appear to be just getting by. Lush green tress surround most of the bungalows. Big wooden windows, thatched roofs, and open verandahs add to the beauty of this gaothan.
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A few decrepit cottages made of stone and wood with thatched bamboo roofs. The area once boasted of as many as 50 magnificent cottage..tree nursery
Wind and rain was keeping a lot of people in their houses if Facebook was anything to go by! But there were still quite a few hardy individuals heading out in commitment to their love of trees...Trees For Sale
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