‘Moving fish wholesalers out of Mumbai will kill industry’

Fishermen fix their nets at Koliwada in Cuffe Parade. Shifting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fish Market will not only add to the commuting woes of fishermen, but will also increase the prices of fish. Pics/Ashish Raje

The legacy of the city's fishing community is at stake with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) trying to do away with one of the biggest collection and distribution centres at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fish Market and shifting the operations to other places. While a part of it has been moved to Navi Mumbai, the civic body also plans to shift some of the fishmongers to Crawford Market. This is not only adding to the commuting woes of the fish sellers but will eventually lead to an increase in fish prices for Mumbaikars.

Speaking to mid-day, Devendra Tandel, president of Akhil Maharashtra Macchimar Kruti Samiti said, "It all started with the demolition of the dilapidated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fish Market. The structure was in need of an upgrade so the BMC started its demolition and asked fish wholesalers to move out temporarily. But now it seems that they want to permanently shift all wholesalers out of the city."

"The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fish Market has been the biggest collection, distribution and retail centre in Mumbai with fishermen from Dahanu, Thane, Palghar, and even from as far as Ratnagiri and Raigad visiting the place. Fish is sold in bulk to wholesalers who sell the catch to local fisherwomen and retailers. The BMC's long-term plan is to shift all the wholesalers and suppliers to Navi Mumbai. This will kill Mumbai's fishing industry. We want the market to be given back to us once it is upgraded."

Tandel further said, "Our fishermen from Dahanu and Palghar have to face a lot of hardships to reach a place like Airoli. Instead of 4 am, they have to start their day much earlier, which means they need to take the last train of the previous night instead of the first train of the day just to reach the market. All this will also push transport and logistics costs, which will eventually reflect in the prices of fish."

The civic body has temporarily allowed some fishermen to carry out their business in an open space inside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Market, but the plan is to shift them to the Crawford Market after a couple of years. "The area has limited space and there will eventually be clashes between the vegetarian and non-vegetarian markets. As the Phule Market is a heritage structure, it won't be open to alterations, leading to limited sellers operating out of that place. This will eventually kill the entire industry," he added.

The fishing complex was a complete hub and as per the Development Plan 2034, any market going under redevelopment should be given back to its rightful stakeholders. "Why are we being treated like this then? Furthermore, does the BMC even have the right to change the reservation of Shivaji Market if their own DPR guidelines say otherwise?" asked Tandel.

However, BMC officials said that they were in the process of setting up temporary sheds at the same location but as per the DP of 2034, the plot of the Shivaji Market had been reserved for municipal offices and a disaster management facility, and hence, a permanent market could not be constructed there.