Mumbai: A crucial meeting was held on Friday at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters regarding the proposed relocation of Koli women and fish traders from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Market (Crawford Market) to the footpaths. The meeting was chaired by Maharashtra Minister for Ports and Fisheries, Nitesh Rane, and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.
Representatives of various fishing organizations and the local Koli community participated in the meeting and voiced their concerns. They emphasized that the newly planned fish market should be developed according to the needs of traditional fish traders. Minister Rane assured them that both the state government and BMC are committed to addressing their demands positively.
Among those present at the meeting were Assistant Commissioner of the Markets Department Manish Walunj, Engineer Mr. Ghewde, President of Mumbai Fresh Fish Dealers Association and Mathadi leader Balwantrao Pawar, President of the All Maharashtra Fishermen Action Committee Devendra Tandel, Women’s President Nayana Patil, General Secretary Sanjay Koli, Vice President Pradeep Tapke, Chairman of Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation Jyoti Meher, Shashwat Konkan Parishad’s Satyajit Chavan, President of Koli Women Executive Cooperative Society Chhaya Thanekar, along with Vijay Desai, Aba Jadhav, Pradeep Salunkhe and other fishermen and wholesale trade representatives.
Following the discussions, Minister Rane assured that the government and BMC are determined to take an inclusive decision regarding the redevelopment of the market while ensuring that the traditional livelihoods of the Koli community are protected and promoted.
