Work on coastal road project to continue despite opposition from fishermen
The Bombay HC refused to stay the project after hearing the petition filed by two fishing societies, which claimed that the coastal road would affect their livelihood (Picture Courtesy: Pratik Babhulkar)
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to pass any interim order to stay the state government’s ambitious coastal road project in Mumbai.
Members of two fishing societies – Worli Koliwada Nakhwa and the Worli Machimmar Sarvodaya Sahakari Society – had earlier approached the high court against the coastal road project.
The societies had opposed the project on the grounds that once the project was complete, it would take away the livelihood of countless fishermen in areas like Worli, Khar Danda, Chimbai and several other places between Marine Drive and Kandivali.
In its petition, the societies also claimed that neither the civic body or state authorities conducted any public hearing or consultations with the fisherfolk before planning or approving the project.
While the court refused to grant any interim stay order, the bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice NM Jamdar directed the commissioner of the fisheries department to grant the societies a hearing.
The bench also directed the police to ensure fishermen were allowed to put up equipment, including nets, along with the area marked for the road until actual construction of the road began.
The 29.2 km long route will connect Marine Drive area in south Mumbai to Kandivali in the western suburbs.
