22 January,2009 08:47 AM IST | | Shashank Rao
Worli fishermen cannot venture out to sea as govt imposes law against unlawful assembly at Worli village, after they protested the Bandra Worli Sea Link; fishermen demand compensation of Rs 1 lakh a month
The fishermen at Worli village have been unable to work since November 25, 2008. On that day, the government imposed Section 144 of the IPC on Worli village. This section bars assembly of more than three people at a time in public places. The fallout of this has been that the fishermen have been unable to venture out to the sea, as they cannot fish in such small numbers.
They have now demanded a monthly compensation of Rs 1 lakh.
The MSRDC forced the state to implement this rule after the fishermen opposed the under-construction Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) by getting into the waters and disrupting work. An MSRDC official said, "There was delay in the work of BWSL, as the fishermen held regular protests.
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We were forced to introduce section 144, but we will compensate them for their losses." The fishermen had opposed the bridging of pillar nine and 11, as it will prevent them from venturing into sea.
Vijay Worlikar, representative, BWSL Project Affected Fishermen Coordinating Committee, confirmed that they have demanded compensation of Rs 1 lakh per month. He said, "We have asked for compensation, as stoppage of fishing in the last two months means a lot to the fishermen.
"The quantum of fishes were restricted because of the order and fishermen were deprived of seasonal marine animals like lobsters crab, Bombay duck and prawns."
Precaution
In spite of an agreement between the MSRDC and fisherfolks, policemen have been posted on the site to maintain law and order. A police officer from Worli police station confirmed that they have been deployed at Worli Village and prevent movement of large groups into sea.
They have also formed a committee to tackle problems raised by other fishermen in the future, involving other sea link projects like Worli-Haji Ali or Bandra-Versova.
Oh fish!
Passing ferries, carrying pile caps machines, tear the fishing nets.
Quantum of fishes has reduced by 70 per cent, even during fishing months from October-March.
The movement of waves has been disturbed and water currents are changing directions.
No fish!
The volume of fish being caught by fishermen at Worli is diminishing. The number has dropped from five lakh between September and November last year, to 25,000 this year.
