Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) which is seen taking some major steps in the past to boost tourism at Mumbai waterfront by developing domestic and international cruise terminal, permitting floating restaurants and cruise service. Now, they are also focussing on converting the historical Mumbai’s Sassoon fishing dock into a vibrant fishing hub so to attract tourism. According to MbPT the revamp work of the dock is in progress and being carried out in association with the state fisheries ministry and central government. The revamp work will be done in four phases which includes air conditioned fish market to provide cold storage units, open exhibition space and multi-cuisine restaurants, amphitheatre and recreational centre among others.
A senior official from MbPT said, “The work of Phase-I has been completed which involves clearing the roads near the dock to streamline the traffic. The street art exhibition was held last year to beautify the place and the solid waste management disposal system has been made operational. The Phase-II work which includes setting up machineries for storages of fishes and other aspects is in progress.” MbPT has decided to undertake the revamp work so the place can be opened up for general public. At present only fishermen and women are seen over there to import and export fishes in other cities and states.
The official added, “Once the Phase-II work is completed only then Phase III and IV can be taken up. The two phases involves developing recreational centres, exhibition place and setting up restaurants. For which taking consent of all stake holders is required. Since the area falls under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) permission from the authority is necessary.” According to MbPT, the cost of Phase-II is 100 crore INR which is borne by the state and central government. Once the following work completes, only then the next phase work and its estimated cost will be determined.
Source: The Free Press Journal
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