The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took action to clear the boat parking area at Haji Ali's Lotus Jetty on Monday, August 21. It removed at least five fishing boats to accommodate the ongoing Coastal Road project. The boats are registered with the cooperative society, Vanchit Machhimar Haji Ali Sahkari Sangathana Maryadit (VMHASSM).
During the process of removal, one significant vessel, called the Sagar Masa, allegedly suffered severe damage. This has led to protests from the fishermen.
The BMC insists that the fishermen can anchor their boats in the water. But the fishermen have disagreed. They say that dry land is necessary to conduct their business activities.
Parking is not the only issue raised by the fishermen. They also claim that the Coastal Road project has encroached upon common-use land used for activities like drying boats, sorting fish, and repairing fishing nets. This loss of space is detrimental to their operations.
In a letter addressed to various authorities, dated August 18, the fishermen expressed their objections to the BMC's order to remove their boats. They pointed out that the reclamation by the Coastal Road Project has significantly reduced their operational area. They also say that there is little room for essential tasks like maintaining fishing vessels and repairing nets.
It is also reported that the area is recovered ground and cannot be used for such purposes according to the city's development plan. However, BMC has promised compensation for the fishermen.
BMC also commissioned the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to create a report to determine compensation for project-affected persons (PAPs). It revealed that the Coastal Road project has led to a 50% reduction in the incomes and daily catch of fishermen. It was claimed that women who catch fish by hand have been particularly hard hit.
The TISS study identified 1,343 beneficiaries, including boat owners and labourers, eligible for various forms of financial compensation.
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