Mumbai being a coastal city has been a point of attraction for the kolis (native fisherfolk). Koliwadas are these quant settlements, housing a community of originally fisherfolks. Who’s lives and livelihood revolve around the sea. They lead a simple life, involved mostly in fishing and the health of the ocean. The kolis also have a rich heritage and culture, deeply ingrained in Mumbai’s history.

 

Traditionally, the koli men go fishing and the women remain equally occupied by selling the fish, managing the family’s finances as well as running the house. The fisherfolk are intricately tied with nature. Koliwadas have been able to live harmoniously to the waves of the sea in past, however the kolis have been faced with a wide array of disadvantages through the years.

 

Ranging from congested living spaces to poor sanitation, drainage, and water facilities. Presently they have no foreseeable developmental plans to lean on either. The fisherfolk require land for drying fish, boat mooring, net weaving generally to carry out their fishing activities. Snatching away their land would mean snatching away their livelihood and identity.

 

Stripped of their land rights, they would be under constant threat of eviction and demolition. The heart of this city's heritage is under threat of being buried under the name of slums. 

 

The fisherfolk face tremendous pressure staying in competition against large-scale commercial enterprises. Further face hindrances in several aspects of their livelihood. The koli women too bear complex problems working long hours in their inhospitable fish markets. Their daily earnings come at the cost of their health and well-being.

 

The encroachment also violates Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules that are in place to protect the coastline and its inhabitants, the marine ecosystem and native fishers. Violating CRZ leads to serious consequences of environmental degradation and disruption of coastal ecosystems. Along with global warming and extreme climatic events, the wrath of which would immediately affect the coastal residents, due to their geographical disposition. In 2018, the floods in Kerela caused tremendous distress, a situation curbed by the local fishers of different states, who were able to rescue 70% of the people. Kerela floods were an important case highlighting the fisherfolk and their rapport with nature.

 

UCM is working to advocate the rights of Koliwadas. By enabling the empowerment of the native kolis, through documentation in form of interviews voicing their concerns.