Mumbai: The city’s fishing and other coastal communities can look forward to an alternative source of livelihood during the monsoon and eventualities such as cyclones and storms, thanks to the India Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP). As part of the ICZMP, the Maharashtra government will work out a plan to provide alternative jobs in seaweed culture, aquaculture and marine cultivation during such times. S. Sandanshiv, scientific officer, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), said, “During the monsoon season or cyclones, coastal communities suffer the most. Their livelihood is severely affected and till now, the state government did not have any provision for them in such cases. With the fund allocated, we will arrange occupations for fishermen and those who inhabit coastal areas at such times.”
As per the fund allocation, Rs 90 crore will be used for livelihood security of coastal communities. Under the ICZMP, Rs 300 crore has been set aside for implementing the coastal management project in the state. Although Mumbai’s fishing community has welcomed the move, it has expressed concern over release of funds by the state government.
Damodar Tandel, president, Akhil Maharashtra Machhimaar Kruti Samiti, said, “We welcome the move by the state and Centre, however we hope that it is not just on paper. The state has always cited lack of funds whenever we approached them for compensation during the monsoon or disasters.”
