Shri Ugwatyadev Rahivasi Seva Sangh, representing families in the coastal land between Bhandup and Mulund, has moved court against the proposed wetland centre in the area.
The families believe that the project has deprived them of their livelihood. According to them, due to the area being reserved for the centre, their access to ponds and the seashore has been restricted and they have been dispossessed of their wood and mud houses.
The state argued that captive and cultural fishing are not the traditional occupation. At a hearing before the high court, government pleader DA Nalavade said the land had been declared a protected forest under the Indian Forests Act, 1927, and there were only 13 families in the association that has challenged the centre.
The affidavit also said this community had hacked mangroves to prepare fishing ponds.
