Sassoon Dock Fishermen Seek Nitish Rane's Help

Mumbai's Sassoon Dock, a century-old fishing hub, is facing a crisis that has severely affected the livelihood of fishermen, fish traders, workers, and other communities dependent on it. The Sassoon Dock Fishing Port Rescue Action Committee of Colaba has sought the immediate intervention of Cabinet Minister Nitish Rane to protect the interests of those affected.

The committee, led by President Krishna Pawale, met with NCP Party President Sharad Pawar and Minister Rane on August 28, 2026, to discuss the issues faced by the fishing community. A visit by Rane to the Sassoon Dock site is expected on Sunday.

One of the key concerns raised by the committee is the eviction of fishermen, traders, and workers from godowns at Sassoon Dock on November 13, 2025. The committee alleged that the action was carried out under heavy police deployment and had affected thousands of families dependent on the premises for their livelihood.

The committee has also raised questions over the arrangements involving the Mumbai Port Authority (MBPA), Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation (MFDC), and occupants of the godowns. According to the representation, the premises were originally leased to MFDC, which subsequently sublet them to fishermen and members of the fishing community.

The committee alleged that although occupants paid rent regularly, the amount was not deposited with MBPA by MFDC. This has led to a discrepancy between the Supreme Court order of November 16, 2014, and the subsequent continuation of rent payments and issuance of receipts for the godowns.

The committee has sought an investigation into the matter and demanded compliance with the court order. Another major demand concerns a tripartite arrangement proposed in 2015 involving MBPA, MFDC, and fish traders. The committee said a decision was taken on June 12, 2015, under the chairmanship of then Union minister Nitin Gadkari, to secure the future of businesses operating from Sassoon Dock.

However, according to the committee, the decision has not been implemented even after a decade. The fishermen's body has also questioned the pace of infrastructure development at Sassoon Dock. It claimed that around ₹100 crore had been approved for development of the dock, but several works remain pending, creating difficulties for businesses operating from the port.

The committee has further demanded construction of a dedicated jetty for repairing fishing boats, stating that the availability of repair facilities has become a concern after Karanja port at Uran became operational.

The crisis at Sassoon Dock has significant implications for the fishing community and the economy of Mumbai. The committee's demands for intervention and investigation highlight the need for urgent action to protect the livelihood of those dependent on the fishing hub.

In conclusion, the situation at Sassoon Dock is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from the authorities. The fishing community is hoping for a positive response from Minister Nitish Rane and the government to address their grievances and ensure the survival of the century-old fishing hub.

The future of Sassoon Dock and the livelihood of those dependent on it hang in the balance, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the committee's demands. The outcome of this situation will have a significant impact on the fishing community and the economy of Mumbai, and it is essential that the authorities take prompt and effective action to address the crisis.