The fishermen also claimed the civic authority did not conduct any public hearing with them before starting the project, even though they are the "original inhabitants" of the land.
Favouring the coastal road being built by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Bombay High Court refused to grant any relief to fishermen from Worli who moved court saying the 35.6-km project would eat into their livelihood once it comes up.
The fishermen also claimed the civic authority did not conduct any public hearing with them before starting the project, even though they are the "original inhabitants" of the land.
A division bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice N M Jamdar directed the Commissioner of Fisheries to hear the grievances raised by the members of the two fishing societies, Worli Koliwada Nakhwa and Worli Machimmar Sarvodaya Sahakari Society, who together have some 1,000 members and over hundred boats.
The bench also told the police, who the fisherfolk allege have been obstructing their activities, to act within the bounds of the law. Senior advocate Gayatri Singh, appearing for the fishing groups, had argued that the police have been removing fishing nets and not allowing Koli community members to fish off Worli area.
Government pleader PH Kantharia, appearing for the police, denied the claim and said, "A meeting was called by the police where the fishermen were informed about the coastal road project and asked to avoid obstructing the ongoing work."
Senior Advocate Anil Sakhare, appearing for the BMC, said the work on the coastal road, which started in November, is in public interest and is being carried out only after all necessary permissions have been obtained. To this, the court asked the corporation to appear before the fisheries department and put forth their side. The commissioner has to hold the meeting on Monday, and submit a report on the next date of hearing.
'Tweak Project'
The fisherfolk's plea seeks directions to the civic body to modify the project designs and hold a public hearing with all stakeholders. It seeks to restrain BMC from reclaiming land between Worli and Banganga.
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