Will not obstruct access to Sobo jetty: BMC to HC

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court (HC) on Wednesday disposed of a petition which had sought unhindered access to the Lotus jetty at Haji Ali, which local fisherfolk perceived would be restricted due to the ongoing coastal road work. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) informed the court that it was building a navigation bridge for the benefit of the fisherfolk at the spot and they could access to the jetty. The court took BMC’S assurance on record and permitted fisherfolk to approach the evaluation committee set up by BMC to settle claim for damages to fishing boats due to coastal road work.

A division bench of justices RD Dhanuka and VG Bisht, while hearing the petition filed by 10 fishermen, was informed by advocate Meenaz Kakalia that the petition was not opposing the coastal road work or reclamation of land for the same, but only sought unhindered access to the jetty, which they apprehended would be obstructed by the development work.

The petition also sought compensation from the civic body, which is undertaking the coastal road development work, for the damage caused to their fishing vessels, anchors and nets due to the work.

In its reply, BMC through senior advocate Aspi Chinoy and advocate Joel Carlos informed the court that the apprehensions of the fisherfolk were misplaced and unfounded as BMC was constructing a navigation bridge at the jetty that would provide a passage for the fishing boats to enter and exit from the jetty. It said the petition was an attempt by vested interests to stall the coastal road project and hence the petition should be dismissed.

After perusing the affidavit, the court recorded the undertaking of the BMC that the petitioners would have unhindered access to the jetty and their livelihood through fishing activities would not be affected. Court directed petitioners to approach the fisher-folk Rehabilitation Assessment Committee set up by the BMC for damages caused for compensation.