Worli fishermen on Tuesday blocked attempts by BMC contractors to resume work on the coastal road. The community has been demanding the BMC increase the span between columns so they can navigate their boats between the rocks and strong currents. They have been demanding a span of 200 metres between columns as against 60 metres being provided. In a letter to the BMC as well as to environment minister Aditya Thackeray who is the local MLA, they had pointed out the span between the sea link in front of Cleveland Bunder is already narrow and the coastal road connector bridge will add more columns. “The BMC had assured us they would hold a meeting on December 12. On Monday, several men had turned up. Today (Tuesday) they came with a large posse of policemen and started work which we blocked,” said a fisherman. The BMC said it has set up a committee for the rehabilitation of fisherfolk.
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