The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed a ban on fish sales at the historic Sassoon Docks, leading to a livelihood crisis for hundreds of Koli families who depend on the site for daily income. The ban, which came into effect on June 1, was enforced due to alleged violations of hygiene and licensing norms.
According to civic officials, repeated inspections at the docks revealed serious lapses in sanitation and food safety protocols. The BMC claims the decision was taken in the interest of public health, and that fish trade activities will be allowed to resume only after the area meets required standards.
However, the move has drawn strong opposition from the Koli community, which has historically operated from Sassoon Docks for generations. Community leaders argue that the action was sudden, with no prior consultation or arrangement for alternative selling spaces.
“The ban has come without warning. We are now left with no source of income,” said Geeta Patil, a vendor from the Koli community.
Sassoon Docks, established in 1875, is one of Mumbai’s oldest fish markets and remains a vital commercial hub. The Kolis, considered the original inhabitants of Mumbai, rely on this site for fish auctions, wholesale supply, and daily retail sales. Women, who form the backbone of the market’s vendor workforce, have been hit particularly hard.
The timing of the ban has further intensified the crisis, as the monsoon season approaches—a period when fishing is already curtailed due to weather conditions.
Activists have accused the BMC of acting arbitrarily. Local organizer Deepak Salvi stated, “This is not just a commercial decision; it is an attack on the cultural and economic identity of the Koli community.”
In response to the controversy, a senior BMC health officer said, “The decision was not community-specific. Public health remains our top priority. Necessary upgrades must be completed before any further operations can resume.”
The Fisheries Department has called for an emergency stakeholder meeting, including representatives from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and Koli leaders, to discuss a possible resolution.
Political reactions have also surfaced. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the state government for the abrupt implementation of the ban. “There was no humanitarian consideration in this move,” she said, urging authorities to provide temporary facilities for fish vendors.
Mumbai Congress leader Bhai Jagtap demanded immediate intervention from the Chief Minister, suggesting a relief package and rehabilitation plan for affected families.
The BMC has not issued a timeline for when the docks will be reopened. In the meantime, the Koli community faces economic uncertainty and disruption to a traditional livelihood that has spanned centuries.
