Fisherfolk residents of Worli and environmentalists have objected to the socio-economic impact report of the Mumbai Coastal Road prepared by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The report was commissioned by the BMC and submitted to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority last week. The study was carried out after coastal road construction had already started. The Indian Council for Agricultural Research and CMFRI carried out a joint rap-id study for five days in March-April 2019. Among the possible impacts, the report said that fishers operating from and around the proposed project are likely to irreversibly lose access to a portion of nearshore fishing area in the sea. However, access to other parts of the sea is not restricted therefore, it reduces livelihood impacts. In the intertidal areas handpicking of clams, oysters, crabs is done. Crustaceans contribute a major part of the catch. It noted that there may be a possible reduction in fish abundance and productivity of the area due to sound disturbance and increased turbidity during the construction phase and would result in decline in revenue of handpickers. As a mitigation measure, the report has recommended installation of artificial reefs and regular monitoring of the seawater quality in the nearshore waters so that pollution does not cause adverse impacts on fishing and environment. The report has also pointed out that there could be some hindrance to the navigation of fishing boats and a slight increase in the fishing operational cost. The experts have suggested providing adequate depth to be given to boats for navigation and improved navigation aid besides upgrading fishing vessels. However, the Worli Koliwada Nakhwa Matsyavyavsay Society said the report is flawed and inaccurate. In its objections to the BMC’s application for additional reclamation, the society said the study was conducted in a piecemeal manner with very few site visits and no recording of nighttime catch. “The report does not consider the nearshore area as a major fishing ground. This is inaccurate as the area near the coast is a high-value productive fishing ground where deep sea commercial fish like ghol, rawas, pomfrets, tiger prawns come to breed,” it said. The society added that the report claims that 60ft is sufficient for navigating boats is not true, a minimum 200ft is required. It further said it would be impossible to recreate the habitat of the intertidal zone, which is periodically inundat-ed and exposed during low tide. Shweta Wagh, associate professor and member Collective for Spatial Alternatives, said that fishing is a seasonal activity and ideally the study should have been carried out over a one-year period taking into account findings of all seasons.
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