Public Lighting in Dharavi Koliwada, Mumbai, India (2024)
- Gloria Tanui
- Jan 27
- 1 min read
Dharavi Koliwada, a self-developed neighborhood with centuries of history, has faced challenges in street lighting due to its pedestrian-friendly but poorly lit streets. Residents have relied on door lights for illumination, which proved insufficient and impractical. The community expressed a need for a reliable, cost-effective lighting solution that could also serve as a symbol of local pride.
The "ABCD of Koliwada" (Action-Based Comprehensive Development Plan) is an ongoing project initiated in 2024 by urbz in collaboration with the Dharavi Koli community in Mumbai, India. This project emphasizes participatory urban development, engaging local residents in planning and implementing interventions to enhance their neighborhood. By involving the community in decision-making processes, the project ensures that developments are need-based and culturally appropriate.
After months of collective decision-making, wiring and trial lights were installed in one of the main thoroughfares as part of a pilot project. Collaborating with students from New York University Abu Dhabi the project also explored decentralized solar panel systems to power the lights, ensuring sustainability. Supported by the Rearc Institute, the initiative highlighted the importance of participatory planning and innovative solutions. Challenges included testing and customizing systems for the urban village’s unique needs, while benefits encompassed improved safety, community pride, and the potential for scaling the project across other streets.
