The BMC on Saturday gave a concept plan to fishermen and local residents on a proposed green park which will come up by reclaiming 300 acres of land along the Cuffe Parade seashore. However, resident groups, elected representatives and fishermen opposed the plan, saying no concrete environmental study was carried out. Fishermen unions have already voiced protest against BMC’s plan, saying that if such reclamation is done, Mumbai would soon become Venice as a result of greater flooding in coastal areas. “BMC shared a concept plan and it showed that it’s not just a green space but a theme park. No detailed environmental study was done to study impact on marine life and fishing…,” said BJP corporator Harshita Narwekar. Viswanath Salian, working president of Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti for Mumbai, saw the presentation at Radio Club but was not satisfied. “Fishermen have not been taken into confidence. If they carry out reclamation, water levels will rise. It will hamper our livelihood… This park is not needed at Cuffe Parade,” Salian said. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Gardens) Ramakant Biradar said, “This was a preliminary concept plan and we will incorporate all suggestions and objections… The environmental aspects will be studied by NEERI and National Institute of Oceanography… We will ensure the park will not hamper livelihood of fishermen and will not have any adverse impact on the environment,” Biradar said.
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