Affected by Coastal Road, Bandra-Versova Sea Link: Shelar orders compensation to fisherfolk as per BMC norms

Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar on Friday instructed that fisherfolk, affected by the Coastal Road and Bandra-Versova Sea Link, be compensated as per the norms laid down by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The Koli community in the Khar Danda Koliwada area is likely to suffer losses in their fishing business due to the Bandra-Versova Sea Link. While the state government will provide them compensation, there is a discrepancy between the criteria laid down by the BMC and the state government. Shelar said the compensation should be provided based on the norms formulated by the BMC for the section of the Coastal Road constructed by the civic body. These norms should be applied for compensation for the entire stretch of the Coastal Road that extends from Khar Danda through Versova to Bhayandar.

The Koli community affected by the Worli Sea Link project had received compensation as per the BMC standards whereas the compensation under the state government is low. Following complaints from the community regarding this discrepancy, Shelar convened a joint meeting with the Mumbai Maritime Board, MSRDC, MMRDA and BMC. During this meeting, he instructed officials to incorporate the BMC norms into the state government’s ordinance and implement the necessary amendments.