The fisherfolk in Worli Koliwada have allowed the BMC to resume work on the coastal road, after officials agreed to their demand to increase the span between pillars to 120 metres at Cleavland Bunder, but compensation still eludes them.

Fisherfolk told mid-day that they are being made to run around in circles for compensation that they duly deserve. The construction of the coastal road began four years ago. In 2021, the BMC appointed Tata Institute of Social Science to draft a compensation policy to the tune of Rs 1.5 crore, after fishermen stopped authorities from carrying out construction work of the bridge. When the policy draft was revealed in November 2022, the representatives of the Worli fisherfolk rejected it. “There were errors in the policy. We highlighted the issues. The ramp to build the bridge has blocked our access, and it will stay put for at least 2.5 to 3 years. So we need annual compensation till the year the ramp is completely removed,” said another fisherman from Worli.