The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) approved a proposal on June 10 allowing residents on leave-and-licence agreements to convert to tenancy under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act. It has received applications from 70 licensees. The change covers 1,900 families—nearly 40% of BPP’s housing stock across 22 of its 30 Mumbai baugs; eight other baugs belong to other Parsi trusts.

The policy addresses concerns that licensees are easier to remove and that fees vary widely. One resident reported charges of ₹500 to ₹12,000 for comparable homes in the same colony. Tenancy offers legal protections and transferability to heirs. A dissenting trustee argued the change could weaken the trust’s control over its properties and Parsi-only covenant, particularly if colonies are redeveloped. The BPP says the decision applies to residents previously placed on leave-and-licence agreements; the system became standard after the Maharashtra Rent Control Act took effect in 1999.

In the 1920s, municipal corporator and civil engineer Muncherji Edulji Joshi initiated a Dadar housing project for Parsi families, envisioning a model neighbourhood of two-storey buildings, large open spaces and gardens. A century later, redevelopment has slowly reached the verdant enclave known as Dadar Parsi Colony (DPC).

Access to Hope co-founder Sanket Khadilkar and wheelchair user Jasmina Khanna presented findings from an audit of Five Gardens in Dadar Parsi Colony. Appointed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) last September, the NGO assessed ramps, footpaths, obstructions, garden interiors and public toilets against the Harmonised Guidelines & Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021.

The audit found no usable ramps, uneven basalt-stone footpaths, steep slopes exceeding the recommended 1:12 gradient, and obstructions including bus stops, tree guards, lamp posts, electric poles, signboards and hawkers. Garden interiors had grass, uprooted pavers and gravel; there were no disability-friendly play rides. Access to Hope will present its findings and proposed changes to the BMC.

Residents worry improvements could damage the neighbourhood’s Grade III heritage features. MEJCRA member Darayus Bacha supported ramps, smoother basalt, an eco-turf walking path and an accessible toilet, but opposed concrete, citing potential harm to trees and groundwater.