Sassoon Dock Traders Face Eviction, Plan Hunger Strike

Sassoon Dock, a 150-year-old landmark and critical fishing hub in Mumbai, is embroiled in a significant controversy. The Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) is actively pursuing eviction proceedings against numerous tenants who operate within the dock's godowns, threatening the livelihoods of approximately 1 million people. This action has led fishing traders to announce plans for a hunger strike commencing in December.

The MPT has been systematically evicting tenants over the past six months, with the intention of re-leasing the godowns at revised rates. This has caused considerable distress, particularly to the Koli community, who rely heavily on the dock for their operations, including seafood processing and export. Traders report that godowns are being sealed without prior notice, leading to cancelled orders and substantial business losses.

The affected traders are appealing to the government for alternative land allocations, citing unfulfilled assurances from past political leaders. They draw parallels to municipal rehabilitation efforts for hawkers and question the lack of a similar plan for their community. The situation highlights a conflict impacting a vital sector of Mumbai's economy and the cultural heritage tied to Sassoon Dock.