The Bombay Development Department (BDD) was established in 1920 by the British government with the primary objective of providing more land for housing and constructing 50,000 tenements on reclaimed lands. The Bombay Development Department (BDD) chawls were constructed by the British government between 1920 and 1925.^[1] It was established by Sir George Lloyd, the Governor of Bombay.^[2]

The Bombay Development Department has been responsible for several notable projects, including BBD Chawls, the Back Bay Reclamation project^[3] and the development of Salsette Island, which helped provide adequate water to the city of Bombay. BDD undertook the reclamation of Marine Drive located along the southern coast of Bombay Island and initiated the development of suburbs to the north. BDD undertook massive housing schemes in the city, which are now known as BDD chawls.^[4]

The Bombay Development Department (BDD) constructed affordable housing for the large number of workers employed in the mills, ports, and railway construction.^[5] It consisted of single-room tenements spanning 150 sq. ft.

As of August 2021, there are a total of 195 BDD Chawls located at Worli, Naigaon, and N M Joshi Road in Parel area of Mumbai, covering an area of 86.98 acres, with the Worli BDD chawls occupying the largest area of 59.69 acres and housing close to 12,000 families. Out of the 195 BDD chawls, 121 are located in Worli.^[6]

• Bombay City Improvement Trust
• History of Bombay under British rule (1661–1947)
• History of Mumbai