Modernised fish on its way: Ferry Wharf and Sassoon Docks are set for a revamp

The blueprint

Sassoon Docks is one of the largest salt-water fish markets and landing harbours, and has fishermen from Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar bring their catch for domestic sale and exports. Bhau Cha Dhakka, or Ferry Wharf located further northwards, sees movement from Mumbai, Gujarat and Konkan.

The state government has appointed a four-member committee under Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman, Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), for the redevelopment and modernisation of these docks under the Sagarmala project.

Arun Shinde, Managing Director, Maharashtra State Fisheries Development Corporation said fish auctions at Sassoon Docks happen in very unhygienic conditions thus the plan envisages a system to transport fish from boats via conveyor belts, untouched by human hands. The fish will also be disinfected and transported for grading, auction and packaging through mechanised systems.

"A forced ventilation system will be installed to ensure that the smell of fish does not linger," said Shinde. "Ice from outside is used at present. We are planning an ice plant as any contamination in ice can lead to the fish consignment being rejected for exports," he explained.

"We will integrate the tourism aspect which includes developing a garden and maritime museum," said Shinde. The boats will also get safer piped diesel supply compared to the present system.

Shinde added that a sewage and effluent treatment plant, toilets, BMC water supply and cleaner auction halls would also be introduced with a floating tourism jetty proposed for the next phase. The roofs will also be fitted with solar panels. Shinde said that the plan which was estimated to cost Rs 52.17 crore in 2014 was likely to rise to Rs 96.92 crore.

Bhatia told DNA that Bhau Cha Dhakka would see a domestic passenger cruise and Ro-Ro terminal commissioned soon. The Ro-Ro terminal will handle passenger traffic to Mandwa and Belapur. A marina is also proposed at the site. At present, India has only one operational marina—the Kochi International Marina.

Bhatia said they planned to shift the fishing jetty from Bhau Cha Dhakka to a newer, bigger site in the vicinity, which was yet to be finalised.

The current situation

Filth, stench and squalor rule at the docks. At Sassoon, lack of basic amenities stand out in contrast to its rich impact on the economy. "The Sassoon Docks have around 250 net makers and repairers who work in a cramped space. We lack even proper drinking water," noted net maker Jagdish Tandel.

While stakeholders including net makers, fishermen, trawler owners, workers and retailers agree that redevelopment is necessary, they believe they should be consulted. "The authorities must address concerns like where the market will be shifted to when the work is on. This dock functions all 24 hours regardless of high or low tide. Basic facilities like fuel pumps are lacking," noted trawler owner Pralhad Koli.

Traders and vendors noted that the auction halls are unclean, lack proper flooring and electricity. "The area is notorious for petty crimes. There is no light, cleanliness or even toilets for women," pointed out fish vendor Vaishali Tare.

Those working at the docks said lack of clean toilets often forced people to relieve themselves in the open behind parked trucks that later transport the fish to locations as far as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala and Karnataka.

Lack of an ice factory leads to ice blocks being crushed into flakes on the road amidst muck and pools of stagnant water breeding mosquito larvae even as trawlers land a catch of squid, tuna, kingfish and mackerel.

"This is a huge industry that provides employment to thousands," noted Abdul Ladhani of Naaz Sea Foods Private Limited, adding that despite this, their demands for an auction hall had fallen on deaf ears.

The fishing jetty at Bhau Cha Dhakka was shifted from Kasara Basin to the present location by the Mazagaon Docks in the 1970s and later handed over to the MbPT, noted local businessmen, adding that hence, a shift to a new location would lead to several teething problems. "The number of boats landing their catch has risen from 350 in the 1970s to 1,500 now, while facilities have stayed the same," noted Navale, adding that any planning must take into consideration the future needs and connectivity to railheads.

FEARS

Fishermen leader Damodar Tandel charged that governments had kept stakeholders in the dark about their plans. He charged that plans to encourage tourism at Sassoon Docks would gradually lead to the fishing business being affected and shifted out of Mumbai. Apart from Sassoon Docks and Bhau Cha Dhakka, fish landings also take place through smaller boats at Versova, Madh, Khardanda, Malad and Gorai.

IMPACT ON SOCIETY

Bharat Gothoskar, founder, Khaki Tours, noted that the docks had a great cultural impact. "Words in Marathi like Dambis and Dambrat, which are usually used by grandmothers to lovingly curse naughty children have their origins in the ports where British officers called native workers Damn Beasts and Damn Rats," he noted. Gothoskar demanded that Bhau Ajinkya's contribution to Mumbai's development be commemorated.

FALSE ALARMS

Vice Admiral IC Rao (retired), President, Aapli Mumbai, noted that the project has been pending since 2014 with little action on the ground. Previous attempts to start water transport services from Ferry Wharf to JNPT and Vashi had to be wound up or failed to take off. Ferry services to Belapur, Vashi, Wadala, Karanja, Ulwe, JNPT, Mora and the larger eastern waterfront could be developed from Bhau Cha Dhakka, suggested Rao.

THE LAST WORD

"They are talking of rebuilding the Sassoon Docks, but our voices must be heard since we have a lot at stake. We have no land, no property or secure jobs. Where will we go if things go wrong?" questioned fisherwoman Kamini Vaiti at Sassoon Docks.