Mumbai: Fishermen voiced concern over pollution and its impact on the fish stock at a public hearing held by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on Friday over the plan to build passenger ferry terminals and services on the coast.
However,the projects proponentthe MSRDC assured Mumbaikars that the construction and operation of passenger water transport (PWT) facilities,between Nariman Point and Borivli will not create any kind of pollution and hazards in the fishing activities.The MSRDC had received an environment clearance for the project in 2005 but following its expiry in 2010 the states infrastructure arm applied for its renewal.
However,the Centre recently asked the MSRDC to conduct a public hearing and submit their plans to conserve the ecosystem and fishing habitats.Leaders of fishermens unions insisted that fishing areas should not be encroached by the passenger boats.
They also want anti-collision systems to be installed to avoid accidents between passenger and fishing vessels.MSRDC officials said their demands will be incorporated.According to the plan,four lakh commuters will be transported daily in catamarans and hovercrafts.
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