BMC trying to evict us under guise of redevelopment: Fish sellers at Mumbai's Parel market

The fisherwomen say the new place lacks ventilation, occupation certificate and NOC from the fire department

For decades, selling fish at Parel's Dr Shirodkar Market has been the only source of income for 70 years-plus Shantabai. But today, the septuagenarian is amongst 114 licensed fisherfolks who stare at an uncertain future. They have alleged that the BMC is trying to grab their marketplace in the guise of redevelopment.

The present condition of the Dr Shirodkar Market in Parel

The civic body has planned the redevelopment of the market in two phases. The first phase, work on which began a few years ago, is still incomplete and the fish sellers say they are being pressured to move into the under-construction place to make way for the second phase.

"A few weeks ago, they [BMC's market department] even tried to send a bulldozer to demolish their structures. It was temporarily stalled due to resistance by local women groups and fisherwomen," said Purnima Shirishkar, Secretary at Savitribai Phule Mahila Vikas Mandal.

"They [BMC] will have to take their bulldozer over us. We won't shift to an under-construction market basement, our six generations have sold fish in this market," said Shamla Worlikar, 45, secretary of Dr Shirodkar Mandi Vyapari Welfare Association.

The fish sellers say the place offered to them does not have the occupation certificate and mandatory NOC from the fire department apart from lacking in ventilation.

Pointing to the slow pace of Phase I, Purnima said the BMC has raised only five floors in the past six years and nobody knows what will be the fate of Phase II. "Officials claim this is temporary, but when we asked them to give the same in writing, they haven't," she said.

Purnima and the vendors say BMC's former assistant commissioner (Market) had given in writing that repairs were underway at the market. "How come they are now talking about demolition?" asked Purnima.

Some vendors also accused the BMC of snapping their power and water connections and creating hurdles in the renewal of their annual licences. Rajini Keni, BJP corporator and a member of BMC's garden and market committee, said the BMC is misguiding the fish sellers. "These fisherfolk are not cattle who can be shunted about." She warned of a protest if the BMC demolishes the market.

Ujwala Patil, a rights activist and a member of Maharashtra Kruti Samiti, said BMC is terming the basement the ‘lower ground floor' to suit its purpose. The place is not only small, but also full of filth. Moreover, the risk of falling debris and construction noise would add to the inconvenience."

Advocate Floyd Gracias, who is representing the licensed fisherwomen, said the ongoing work could be a risk to the fish sellers and their patrons. He pointed that the BMC has not given any written assurances about the rehabilitation. He added, "I have already sent a notice to the BMC on behalf of the fisherfolk, and we are awaiting a response, in the absence of which, we will be constrained to take appropriate legal recourse."

The other side
Mrudula Ande, Assistant Commissioner (market) of BMC, insisted the arrangement is temporary and that it has been done in the "lower ground floor and not the basement" of the Phase I building, planned as a 22-storey structure.

"We have to demolish the existing market, start excavation and finish it before monsoon. Unfortunately, the work is getting delayed due to the fisherfolk's non-cooperation," she said.