MUMBAI: A study by the Mumbai Transformation Support Unit (MTSU), a state think tank, has revealed that projects such as the coastal road, Metro-3 and the mid-sea Shivaji memorial pose a threat to the livelihood of kolis, the traditional fisherfolk who are Mumbai’s original inhabitants. The MTSU study, conducted over the past year, was on socio-economic effects of infrastructure projects and land reclamation on fishing communities.
It said while the Shivaji memorial will affect residents of Cuffe Parade koliwada (fishing village) by reducing their fishing routes, Metro-3 will do so by usurping their land. The proposed coastal road, too, will wipe out areas that Juhu’s kolis use to dry fish and park boats. It could also cause changes to ocean currents, thereby reducing the city’s mangrove cover and causing many species of fish to disappear.
The study points to past infrastructure projects that have threatened the existence of the koli community by reducing the number of fish-breeding sites through changes in the direction of tidal currents and other coastal processes.
Map koliwadas, develop tourism to help community, says study
State’s think tank says only inclusiveness can ensure survival of city’s original inhabitants
The Mumbai Transformation Support Unit (MTSU), the state government’s think tank, has conducted a yearlong study of the socio-economic effects of infrastructure projects and land reclamation on Mumbai’s original inhabitants, the kolis. Among its recommendations are mapping Mumbai’s koliwadas and keeping the community’s interests in mind when studying any proposal for land reclamation.
The study says that projects such as the coastal road and the Shivaji memorial off the coast will — through land reclamation, changes in ocean currents and other factors — adversely affect the kolis’ ability to earn a livelihood through fishing, threatening their very existence. It cites the impact that past projects, such as the Bandra-Worli sea link, have had on the fragile community.
BC Khatua, MTSU project director, said, “Whenever there is reclamation, [the koli community] bears the brunt first. Our study shows that there is a need for an inclusive development strategy if we want the fishing communities to be able to exist in harmony. None of our project surveys take this community into consideration. It is necessary to assess that socio-economic impact of projects on kolis before plans are prepared. First, a master plan needs to be drawn up for koliwadas.”
To begin with, the study recommends a mapping of the areas in which kolis live, as no one is sure how many koliwadas there are in Mumbai. While the BMC claims there are 24, the fisheries census puts the number at 30, while the community itself claims there are 37 koliwadas.
Khatua added, “The koli community is an integral part of Mumbai. Amid growing congestion we need better urban planning solutions. We have suggested that these places be developed as tourism zones, which will help the kolis supplement their income from fishing.”
Meanwhile, kolis have already started to speak out against both the coastal road and the Shivaji memorial projects. Rajesh Mangela, a fisherman from Malad and secretary of the Maharashtra Macchimar Kruti Samiti, said the coastal road would affect two koliwadas – in Juhu and in Versova. “We are the ones affected the most by such projects, but are never consulted at the planning stage. It is really hurtful that kolis, the original Mumbaikars, have to face the brunt. We are not against development, but we are certainly against projects that will destroy our communities,” he said.
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