Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has set aside around Rs 1 crore for a capacity-building programme meant for the “livelihood restoration” of fishermen who would be affected by the MTHL (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link). The sea bridge will link Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, ie from Sewri to Nhava Sheva. Recently, the authority had framed the fishermen compensation policy to decide on the monetary relief to be given to the community.
“Livelihood restoration will be a process that needs to be facilitated. A capacity-building program has been considered for this purpose. The social development cell of the MMRDA will monitor this capacity-building program. An amount up to Rs 1 crore shall be set aside for this programme,” said a senior official from MMRDA.
A total of nine villages from both ends would be impacted by the project. “The proposed funding would be made available to increase and develop capacity of fisherfolk for other activities apart from fishing. They
would train to develop skill sets to enable better standards of living,” added the official.
The total length of the bridge is 22 km of which 16.5 km is the length of the sea section.
The Asian Age had reported in its June 11 edition that more than 1,500 fishermen would be affected due to the project.
The authority has already set aside around Rs 20 crore for the compensation process.
The fishermen would get the compensation in the course of three years. Villages affected include Mahul, Trombay, Uran Koliwada, Belpada,Koliwada, Hanuman Koliwada, Gavhan Koliwada, Belapur, Sarsole and Diwale etc.
