Mumbai’s Koli Fishing Community Faces Threat as Coastal Road Project Endangers Mangrove Ecosystems

As dawn breaks over Mumbai’s coastline, the rhythmic sound of small fishing boats setting sail fills the air. For generations, the Indigenous Koli fishing community has maintained a daily ritual of catching fish that sustains their livelihood and cultural heritage. However, this routine is under grave threat due to an upcoming coastal road project designed to connect the affluent Versova area to the suburban locality of Bhayandar.

The mangrove forests that line the creeks are not merely natural beauty; they are vital ecosystems that provide crucial benefits. Known locally as kaandalvan, teewar, and khaarphuti, these mangroves serve as a protective barrier against floods, help stabilize the shoreline, sequester carbon, and provide a habitat for fish. For the Koli fishers, these trees are the lifeblood of their community, ensuring food security and income.

The planned 26-kilometer coastal road threatens to uproot approximately 45,000 mangrove trees, leading to ecological and economic repercussions. “I earn between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 each day. We fish every single day of the year,” shares Sanjay Bhandari, a 50-year-old fisher from Charkop, one of the areas slated for impact. “If this road goes ahead, my income will disappear.”

The Supreme Court of India recently upheld a high court decision that allows the removal of these important trees for the road’s construction, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) overseeing the project. While the local government argues that the road will enhance connectivity and urban infrastructure, the Koli community fears for their future and cultural identity.

Advocates for the Koli fishers are raising alarms about the potential loss of both livelihood and the environmental degradation that could follow. As Mumbai grapples with rapid urbanization, the delicate balance between development and preservation is becoming increasingly threatened. This situation invites a larger conversation about sustainable development practices and the rights of Indigenous communities in India.

Source: scroll.in