The Shree Shwetambar Jain Charitable Trust has approached the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) seeking allotment of a minority-reserved plot in Kharghar to construct a dedicated place of worship for the Shwetambar Jain community. The proposal aims to address the long-standing absence of a formal spiritual venue for the sect, which has over 350 families residing in the area.
The trust has requested the allocation of Plot No. 27A in Sector 19A, Kharghar — adjoining a plot already allotted to the Digambar Jain community. In its formal letter to CIDCO’s Social Service Department, the trust highlighted the need for independent spaces for different sects within the Jain faith, given their distinct customs, attire, and religious rituals. An official familiar with the matter confirmed that the application has been received and is under administrative consideration. If approved, the Shwetambar Jain community will gain its first dedicated prayer hall in Kharghar, bringing parity with the Digambar Jain Trust, which already operates from a nearby plot.
According to representatives of the trust, the absence of a formal worship facility has compelled the community to hold prayers and festivals in temporary venues. Events such as Samayik, Pratikraman, Tirthankar Kalyanak, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Navpadji Oli, and Paryushan Parva currently take place in rented halls or residential spaces, limiting participation and accessibility. The request underscores a wider conversation around religious inclusivity and equitable access to civic resources in rapidly developing urban nodes like Kharghar. As Navi Mumbai continues its expansion as a planned satellite city, community groups have increasingly called for transparent and balanced land allotments that reflect the city’s social and cultural diversity.
Urban development experts note that fair and inclusive land policies are essential for fostering harmony in mixed communities. “Equitable allocation of community plots ensures that no section feels marginalised within an urban ecosystem that is meant to be socially balanced,” said an urban planner aware of CIDCO’s planning framework. While CIDCO has not yet issued a formal response, the proposal has been welcomed by local residents who view it as a step towards promoting pluralism and cultural coexistence. The decision, when made, will not only address a community’s need but also reinforce Navi Mumbai’s reputation as a city that accommodates diverse faiths through planned and inclusive development.
CIDCO Asked To Allot Kharghar Plot For Shwetambar Jain Place Of Worship