As construction of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) continues, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) has invited applications from fisherfolk whose livelihoods will be impacted by the project. Fishing activities across six coastal villages are expected to be affected.

In a public notice, MSRDC announced, “MSRDC has declared 30.09.2025 as the last date for submission of applications from fisherfolk whose fishing activities will be affected due to the construction of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project. In accordance with the Government Resolution of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (Government of Maharashtra) dated 09.03.2023, fisherfolk can submit their applications for compensation to the Project Manager, Versova-Bandra Sea Link Project & Executive Engineer, MSRDC Office, near Lilavati Hospital, opposite Bandra Reclamation Bus Depot, KC Marg, Bandra (West), Mumbai 400 050.”

A socio-economic survey by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) identified 1637 fisherfolk living in the project’s ‘zone of influence’ — the geographical area around VBSL that may be positively or negatively impacted. According to media reports, of the 1637 affected individuals, around 864 reside in Khar Danda, with the rest spread across smaller villages, including Kadeshwari Mandir, Chimbai, Carter Road, Juhu Koliwada, and Mora Gaon near Rizvi College.