The Kolis are the original inhabitants of Mumbai, but they fear that a plan to build the world’s tallest statue in the Arabian Sea, will threaten their way of life.
According to reports, the livelihood of 1.5 lakh fishermen residing across five villages in south Mumbai, who have 1,500 large boats and 450 small boats, will be affected by the construction.
The breeding ground for the fish will be destroyed and hence the fishermen’s livelihood will be affected.
Supporters insist the money will be recouped and dismiss environmentalists’ concerns.
The government plans to provide new jobs for 400 Koli families.
But that’s little consolation for the fisher folk who want to continue their way of life.