A furore erupted in the legislative council on Wednesday over the threat posed by the coastal road to the livelihood of fisherfolk. CM Devendra Fadnavis, however, allayed the fears by saying, “We have learned through an international report that a coastal road functions as a barrier against strong waves. It is a positive project for Mumbaikars and should not be viewed as some sort of encroachment. He also said that the 29.2 km eight-lane project will not impact the work of the fishing community and there is no need to rehabilitate anyone. “Even during Bandra-Worli Sea Link construction, some Machchimar villages moved the court against us, but now it is clear that the project has not affected the livelihood of any family,” the CM said. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap said the project involved reclamation of land and construction of stilted roads which will impact the customary right of fishing and the livelihoods. NCP’s Rahul Narwekar said there have been protests over the way the reclamation is being done. When a council member said that most kolis were still awaiting their areas to be demarcated under Development Plan, the CM said that in 12 fishing villages, work was already completed and for the rest, he had directed officials to expedite the process. “We are marking not just koliwadas, but also gaothans and adivasi areas in the DP. This has been a five-decade-long demand and we have implemented it,” he said. The CM said if anyone feels his/her livelihood is being hit, s/he can approach the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link tribunal. “We will ensure fisherfolk are not affected by any project,” he assured, adding that the project was creating “green patches”, which will benefit citizens.