08 May,2026 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
Fishing boats at Hanuman Koliwada in Uran, where families displaced from Sheva Koliwada were relocated after land acquisition for JNPT. File Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
After waiting nearly four decades for rehabilitation linked to port development, displaced traditional fisherfolk are still living in cramped transit camps as files continue to move between government departments without a final decision.
Pulling up authorities over the prolonged delay, the Bombay High Court observed that officials were relying on procedural explanations instead of providing concrete timelines or solutions for affected families.
Calling the situation a "sad state of affairs", the court has now granted authorities a final six-week window to take concrete steps and submit a progress report. mid-day, in its Nov 19, 2024, report titled âDisplaced fishermen threaten to block JNPT channel after decades of broken promises', had highlighted the plight of the affected fisherfolk.
The petition highlights long-pending demands linked to rehabilitation and living conditions.
Residents displaced from Sheva Koliwada say they have been waiting nearly 40 years
Key demands
>> Time-bound allotment of rehabilitation plots
>> Access to potable drinking water
>> Better sanitation and civic amenities
>> Improved living conditions for displaced families
Referring to its April 22, 2026, order, the bench said it had specifically asked Respondent No. 2 to provide a clear timeline for resolving rehabilitation issues. Instead, authorities submitted an office memorandum detailing the procedural movement of Cabinet notes.
The court noted that
>> The reply only explained administrative procedures
>> No rehabilitation deadline was provided
>> The urgency of the humanitarian crisis was ignored
The judges observed that such a response was inadequate, considering the suffering faced by displaced families.
"It is a sad state of affairs," the court observed while noting that affected families continue to suffer as files circulate between departments.
The bench highlighted repeated bureaucratic back-and-forth in the matter.
Key developments
>> Draft Cabinet Note initiated: December 2023
>> Revised draft submitted: August 2025
>> JNPA clarifications submitted: December 22, 2025
>> Proposal sent to Department of Expenditure: January 28, 2026
>> Fresh revisions sought: February 17, 2026
>> Proposal still pending approval
The court noted that despite multiple revisions and exchanges, no final decision has been taken.
Court also heard an interim application seeking immediate relief.
Reliefs sought
>> Immediate allotment of rehabilitation plots
>> Use of a 10.16-hectare land parcel identified by JNPA
>> Water, sanitation facilities
>> The bench indicated that continued delays could result in direct judicial intervention
The court also took note of the living conditions at the transit camp spread across 91 gunthas.
Concerns raised
>> Overcrowding
>> Inadequate space
>> Poor sanitation
>> Lack of basic amenities
>> JNPA informed the court that steps were being taken to improve facilities at the site
Adv Rashid Khan, lead counsel for the petitioners
âThe issue could have been resolved years ago, but my clients' rights have been ignored and neglected. We remain hopeful that this long wait will finally end'
Adv Siddharth Ingle, advocate for petitioners
âDespite the grave human suffering involved, the authorities have continued to hide behind bureaucratic procedures, forcing families to live in deplorable transit conditions. The court has now issued a final warning, granting six weeks to take concrete steps, failing which it will not hesitate to pass stringent directions, including granting interim rehabilitation to families'
Next hearing
The matter will next be heard on June 19, 2026
