Aarey Dairy’s Scrapped Machinery: A Cultural Landmark in the Making?

Aarey Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai: Mumbai’s Aarey Milk Colony, once a hub for dairy production, is witnessing the dismantling of its iconic dairy machinery. These relics of the city’s industrial past are being scrapped, erasing an era of self-sufficiency and large-scale milk production. However, amid the ongoing demolition, conservationists and artists see an opportunity—a chance to transform these metallic remnants into a public art installation or museum, preserving the history of Aarey for future generations.

Aarey Dairy: A Glimpse into Mumbai’s Past

Established in 1951, Aarey Milk Colony was a pioneering initiative aimed at revolutionizing India’s dairy industry. The dairy complex, with its massive milk processing units, played a crucial role in supplying fresh milk to Mumbai. At its peak, Aarey Dairy was an emblem of efficiency, boasting modernized machinery and cold storage facilities that catered to the city’s growing population.

However, with rapid urbanization, shifts in the dairy sector, and the rise of private milk suppliers, Aarey Dairy’s relevance diminished over time. The machinery, which once processed thousands of liters of milk daily, became obsolete, leading to the eventual decline of the facility.

Scrapping History or Repurposing It?

The recent move to scrap Aarey’s machinery has sparked discussions among environmentalists, urban planners, and artists. Instead of reducing these historical machines to mere scrap metal, many argue that they should be repurposed as part of a cultural or historical initiative.

Potential Transformations:

• Industrial Art Installation: Sculptors and artists could use the machinery to create large-scale public art, symbolizing Mumbai’s industrial heritage.

• Aarey Dairy Museum: A dedicated space showcasing the history of Mumbai’s dairy industry, featuring preserved machines, photographs, and interactive exhibits.

• Educational Space: Schools and universities could use it as a site for workshops on Mumbai’s economic history and sustainable urban planning.

Global Examples of Industrial Repurposing

Cities worldwide have successfully transformed industrial remnants into cultural landmarks. The Tate Modern in London, once a power station, is now a globally renowned art museum. Closer to home, Bengaluru’s Ranga Shankara theatre was built on an old industrial site, proving that with the right vision, heritage and development can coexist.

A Call to Action

The scrapping of Aarey Dairy’s machinery presents a crucial question: Should Mumbai let go of its industrial past, or can it reimagine it in a way that celebrates history while embracing progress?

With the right public and government support, Aarey’s legacy could live on—not just in old photographs, but as a tangible, interactive tribute to the city’s journey through time. As Mumbai continues to expand, integrating history with modernity will be key in preserving its unique identity.

Would you like to see Aarey Dairy’s machinery repurposed into an art installation or museum? Share your thoughts and be part of the conversation on Mumbai’s evolving landscape.