Mumbai: Following the structural instability of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (CSM) Market, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated the process of relocating long-established fish vendors to a new facility as part of the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market Redevelopment Project (Crawford Market).
Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane held a meeting with leaders of the fishermen’s association, including Balwan Pawar and Devendra Dhandel. Speaking on the issue, Rane said, “Regarding the fish market near Crawford Market, we had a meeting today with the leaders of our fishermen’s association… We discussed their suggestions and the changes they’re seeking. The government is positive about the matter.” He added, “After all, it’s their business, and whether it’s the municipality or the government, we have to create a better setup for them so their problems are reduced.”
Many fish vendors who have been operating in the CSM Market for more than 50 years had opposed the February notices issued by BMC directing them to vacate the market and shift to a nearby footpath. The order had sparked strong resistance from vendors and the Koli fishing community.
A BMC official explained, “After vacating the dilapidated market building, the process to lease the vacant plot through a public tender began nearly six months ago. The tender process has since concluded, and changes are no longer possible at this stage.”
The CSM Market, over five decades old and consisting of a basement, ground floor, and four upper floors, was declared highly unsafe in a 2012 structural audit. Acting on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Bombay High Court had ordered BMC to prioritise public safety. The civic body evacuated the market in July 2021, relocating 348 licensed vendors to alternative municipal markets.
