Worli Koliwada, one of the oldest fishing village in the island city, is up in arms against the state government’s proposal to build a coastal road in the guise of bund.
The state government had sanctioned the bund to protect houses of fishermen from high tides, but villagers allege it would flood their houses during the rains, as water would not recede easily. The ongoing construction would also prevent fishermen from anchoring their boats.
Addressing the media, Vedant Katkar, convenor, Nav Patil Jamat and Gavkari Estate Trust, the association of the fishermen said the project will wreak havoc during the monsoon. “They have destroyed our drainage lines and our houses get flooded even when it drizzles,” said Katkar. “Now we have a major issue of parking our boats during the rains as they no longer can enter due to this road,” he added. The road is under construction for the last six months.
However, state minister for housing Sachin Ahir has debunked these allegations saying a few vested interests were spreading canards against the state government. “This bund is aesthetically designed by the Maritime Board and it is not a road as many believe,” said Ahir, who also happens to be the local legislator. But the fishermen are not amused with the state government’s stance and have warned of an agitation. “We will not allow the work to go on and if our peaceful agitation does not awaken the state, we will forcefully barge into the state government offices,” warned Katkar.
{{/usCountry}}However, state minister for housing Sachin Ahir has debunked these allegations saying a few vested interests were spreading canards against the state government. “This bund is aesthetically designed by the Maritime Board and it is not a road as many believe,” said Ahir, who also happens to be the local legislator. But the fishermen are not amused with the state government’s stance and have warned of an agitation. “We will not allow the work to go on and if our peaceful agitation does not awaken the state, we will forcefully barge into the state government offices,” warned Katkar.
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