dna exclusive: Centre wants to shut port trust under guise of redevelopment, says Union

The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) union is very suspicious of the BJP-led Centre's intention to redevelop the trust's land. They fear that the MbPT will be shut down, putting the livelihoods of 12,500 employees at stake.

KC Parekh, secretary and trustee of the MbPT union, told dna,"Our livelihood is totally dependent on the port's operation. Besides, 40,000 people also get their pensions from this port's activities. If it is shut down, it will be a huge financial blow to us."

He claimed that a false propaganda has been made that the MbPT's revenue is receding, due to which the Centre wants to shut it down. "That is not the case. Every year, we easily meet the target. Last year, the target was to handle 61 million tonnes of cargo. By the end of December we handled 59 million tonnes and with three months to go (March-end) we will go beyond the set target," Parekh added.

Sanjay Tatkare, ex-trustee of MbPT said, "We suspect that the government will close MbPT and shift its business to Gujarat. More than 60,000 people depend on this port. The proposed development should not be just for the affluent."

Tatkare also said that as per the Rani Jadhav committee report, houses in the redevelopment project will not be given free of cost. "How will a person working in MbPT at a lower level be able to buy the house at market rates?" he asked.

However, a trustee and member of the Rani Jadhav committee said that the government will rehabilitate the people properly. "No one will be displaced as per the report. Out of 1800 acres, only 1000 acres land of MbPT is going to be redeveloped. The plan will have ample open spaces to breath," he said.

Ravi Parmer, chairman of MbPT, who is also handling charge of the Kandla port, was not available for comment.