Mumbai: The Bombay High Court is set to examine a crucial plea filed by the fishing community seeking compensation for livelihood losses allegedly caused by the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Atal Setu.
The 21.8 km MTHL, designed to connect Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, has reportedly disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen dependent on Thane Creek. The petition, presented by the Mari Aai Machimar Sahkari Sanstha Maryadit, represents over 1,200 members of the Koli community from seven traditional fishing villages in Navi Mumbai.
The communities of Vashigaon, Juhugaon, Koparkhairane, Ghansoli, Gothivali, Diva, and Belapur claim that the MTHL’s construction, which began in 2018, has led to a dramatic decline in fish stocks, allegedly reducing their availability by nearly 60%. Despite reports from the Fisheries Department documenting the adverse effects on fish production—indicating a sharp decline from 46% of previous levels in 2018-19 to a further 60% drop in 2019-20—the affected fisherfolk have not been included in any compensation schemes.
The petition highlights that changes in tidal currents and increased turbidity, attributed to the MTHL, have severely impacted fish populations and, consequently, the traditional livelihoods of the local fishing communities. The plea underscores that, while authorities have acknowledged the need for compensation, no measures have been implemented to address the losses. It argues that this neglect infringes on the constitutional rights of the fisherfolk and their longstanding customary rights to the creek’s resources.
“The petitioners have historically enjoyed fishing rights and access to Thane Creek’s resources for over a century. The ongoing project’s impact on these rights constitutes a violation of their fundamental entitlements,” the plea asserts. The Bombay High Court is expected to hear the plea on August 28, with a bench comprising Justice BP Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla. The case is anticipated to bring critical scrutiny to the balance between infrastructural development and environmental and social impacts on local communities.
