BMC’s Proposed Relocation of Dadar Fish Vendors Faces Fierce Opposition from Fisherfolk

UndercoverEditor News Agency | Editor: Mahesh Rathod | Mumbai | November 9, 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is reportedly considering the relocation of around 36 wholesale fish vendors from Senapati Bapat Marg, Dadar, to the Airoli Toll Plaza in Mulund in an effort to ease persistent traffic congestion in the area. However, the proposal has triggered sharp resistance from the local fisherfolk, who say the move threatens their livelihood and violates existing court orders.

The plan, discussed recently in a civic meeting chaired by the Additional Municipal Commissioner (AMC), is described as a temporary measure until the new Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai — a permanent market for the vendors — is completed, which the BMC expects by April 2026. Notices for relocation are reportedly being prepared but are on hold pending the AMC’s written approval.

Residents’ Concerns

Residents of Dadar have long complained that fish trucks occupy large portions of Senapati Bapat Marg late at night, and that wholesale trading continues well into the morning hours. This, they argue, severely hampers traffic during rush hour. The issue has worsened since the closure of the Elphinstone Bridge, which diverted additional vehicular flow to the already choked stretch.

Locals have been pressing the BMC for years to take decisive action, saying that allowing wholesale trading in the open space near the road has made daily commuting chaotic. “The congestion is unbearable. The area turns into a mini market every morning,” one resident said.

Fisherfolk Push Back

While residents seek relief, Dadar’s traditional fisherfolk community has strongly opposed the proposed shift. They argue that their current location is a prime trading hub that cannot be given up without risking their earnings. Moreover, they point out that the matter is already before the Bombay High Court, which had previously allowed them to continue operations on Senapati Bapat Marg until the new market is ready.

According to the vendors, the BMC’s 2021 notice had promised that the upcoming market would be ready by 2026 and that any temporary relocation to Mulund would include proper electricity and sanitation facilities. However, many traders view this as impractical, citing long travel distances and loss of customer access as major concerns.

“We are not against development,” said one vendor representative. “But we have a court order that allows us to continue trading here until our permanent market is built. Moving us now is unfair and unlawful.”

Balancing Traffic and Livelihoods

The issue has now evolved into a balancing act between urban traffic management and livelihood protection. Civic officials have acknowledged the legal complexities and said that no forced action will be taken until formal approvals are received and the court order is reviewed.

As the city awaits the completion of the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, both residents and vendors remain in limbo — the former struggling with daily gridlocks, and the latter fighting to safeguard their economic survival. Until a clear administrative direction emerges, the situation on one of Mumbai’s busiest arterial roads is expected to remain unchanged.

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