Mumbai News: Minister Nitesh Rane Assures ₹96 Crore Development Plan For Sassoon Dock, Vows Justice For Koli Fishing Community; VIDEO

Mumbai: Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane assured the Legislative Council that the state government is fully committed to the comprehensive development of Sassoon Dock and to ensuring justice and rights for the fishing community.

Responding to attention motions raised by members of the Council regarding issues faced by fishermen at Sassoon Dock, Minister Rane said, “The first right over Mumbai belongs to the Koli community and fishing brethren. Our government will not deprive any fisherman of their rightful dues.”

Rane emphasized that he had personally visited Sassoon Dock to assess the situation. “We have already replaced leaking roofs in seating areas used by fishermen, ensuring proper shelter during monsoon. Instructions have also been given to construct a new and well-equipped auction hall and modern toilet facilities,” he said.

₹96 Crore Development Plan Underway

A detailed development plan worth ₹96 crore is being implemented through the Maharashtra Fisheries Corporation and the Fisheries Business Development Corporation. Of this, ₹22 crore has already been received and is being used to create essential infrastructure.

Facilities already completed under this project include:

* Carpet flooring

* Four six-seater canteen tables with fans and chairs

* Lighting and mobile charging points

* Ten toilets (two units) with separate sections for men and women

* Drinking water facilities including an MMC shed and water coolers

Plans are also underway to establish a crèche, for which a proposal has been sent to the government and the district collector, requesting the appointment of an appropriate NGO.

Additionally, demands for solid waste management, Shiv Bhojan centers, and other amenities have been submitted by the Jai Malhar Fisheries Cooperative Society, which has 211 members.

Waste Management and Sustainability Measures

The minister highlighted that the government is actively working on a “Plastic-Free Koliwada” initiative across Sassoon Dock and other fishing areas. “We are also planning a separate project for managing fish waste to ensure it is not dumped into the sea. Discussions are ongoing with private companies to ensure proper collection and disposal,” Rane said.

Praise from Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe

Deputy Chairperson Neelam Tai Gorhe appreciated Minister Rane’s detailed and thoughtful responses, saying that such discussions would certainly benefit the fishing community. She encouraged members who wish to see real solutions at Sassoon Dock to remain engaged and participate actively in future sessions on the topic.

“Our government is determined to fulfill every expectation of the fishermen at Sassoon Dock,” Minister Rane concluded.