Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Prioritizes Fishermen’s Interests in Port Development

Mumbai : The interests of fishermen and local communities will be prioritized in the development of the port. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed today that port development agencies should hold meetings, communicate, and work in coordination to address the potential impact on the fishing industry and the concerns of local residents.

Chief Minister Shinde chaired a meeting at Sahyadri State Guest House with the delegation of the Port Expansion Coordination Committee. Present at the meeting were former MLAs Kapil Patil and Ravindra Phatak, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. I.S. Chahal, Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary of the Ports and Transport Department Sanjeev Sethi, Principal Secretary of the Environment and Climate Change Department Praveen Darade, Forest Department Secretary Venu Gopal Reddy, and JNPA President Unmesh Wagh. Konkan Divisional Commissioner P. Velarasu participated via teleconference.

Chief Minister Shinde emphasized that the port expansion is an ambitious project. Throughout the construction and completion of this project, the interests of local residents and fishermen will be safeguarded. Every effort will be made to ensure that no one is adversely affected. Positive and viable alternatives will be explored wherever necessary. He assured that if any land is acquired for port development, compensation will be provided as prescribed. Before the commencement of the project, JNPA and the port department should engage with the fishermen to understand their concerns and address their doubts. The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of holding comprehensive discussions to address any issues related to their livelihoods, including potential damages, compensation, and remedial options.

On this occasion, JNPA President Unmesh Wagh mentioned that efforts are being made to ensure that the employment opportunities created by this port are available to the local population. Thirty skill training programs have been identified to generate employment at the port. These programs will be implemented for the youth in the coastal taluks of Palghar district.

During the meeting, the demands of fishermen from various villages, including Zai and Satpati, were presented by the Port Expansion Committee. It was agreed that a positive approach will be taken through coordination meetings to address all these demands.

As this project is of national importance and crucial for generating significant employment opportunities in Palghar district, it was noted that over fifteen fishermen’s organizations in the district have now taken a positive stance on the project.