The civic authorities’ planned project for the proposed bridge between Versova and Madh Island was stalled for the past two years
Mumbai : The fishermen community from Versova have finally given their nod for BMC to conduct a survey in this area, for the proposed bridge between Versova and Madh Island.
This project has been stalled for the past two years as locals from Versova were opposing the development for fear of losing their livelihood. The bridge is important because it cuts on the travel distance by almost 20 km and cuts down on the travel time by over one hour.
It will reduce the distance from Andheri (East) to Madh Island from 23 km to 8 km.
According to sources from the BMC, locals have now agreed to cooperate while the civic body conducts a geo-tech survey (soil testing), and a station survey (mapping the entire area), which are part of primary preparation for construction of the bridge.
S.O. Kori, Chief Engineer of the bridges department informed that the BMC will finalise the procedure to initiate the survey within a few weeks. The surveys will complete in a month’s time, after which construction process can be initiated.
A representative of the Versova fishermen community, Pradeep Bhanji, who is also part of the fishermen union – Vesava Shivkar Koli Samaj Trust, said that the community is still opposing the proposed bridge but has agreed for the BMC to conduct the survey.
Bhanji informed that if the road is constructed in the proposed manner, the fishermen will lose the area where they dry their catch, where they run the business of repairing boats and of repairing nets. He said, “This project will completely displace us. We are natives of Mumbai and will have nowhere to go. The BMC has assured us alternate living space but not means of livelihood. Moreover, Versova is a Gaonthan and should be preserved.”
Bhanji said the community finally agreed for the survey as they believe it will open up more avenues for dialogue. They have also proposed an alternate route for the bridge that will run from Erangal to Lokhandwala and is 2 km shorter.
On the other hand, the residents of Madh Island want this road to come up and have been pressurising to civic body to come to a decision quickly. Anil Bhopi, local Shiv Sena leader said, “There is barely any connectivity for this area with the city. Since we rely either on the ferry service or have to take a detour of almost 20 km, this road will cut down on the travel time and distance.”
