19 October,2026 02:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A march to the Suburban Collector’s Office in Bandra East was called by the fishermen community. Pic/Special Arrangement
Buses carrying fishermen travelling to protest against the Manori desalination project were stopped by police on Monday, October 19, with the drivers allegedly detained and the vehicle keys seized, according to the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti.
The committee claimed that the action prevented fishermen from taking part in a peaceful protest against the proposed project. It demanded the immediate release of the buses and drivers and sought an explanation from the authorities for the action.
In a statement, the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti accused the authorities of attempting to suppress the voice of the Koli community.
The committee said the fishermen were planning to protest to protect the sea, their traditional fishing practices and their livelihoods. It argued that the administration should address their concerns rather than stop them from demonstrating.
The group also raised questions about the fishermen's democratic rights and demanded that the authorities clarify the legal basis for stopping the buses and seizing their keys.
The committee reiterated its opposition to the Manori desalination project and called for its cancellation.
It demanded that the buses be allowed to proceed, the detained drivers be released and the authorities explain the action taken against them.
"We will not be silenced, and our struggle will not stop," the committee said in its statement.
The police's version of the incident was not included in the statement, and further details about the action were awaited.
Fishing communities across Mumbai and neighbouring areas had earlier called for a bandh in Manori and Gorai on Monday, October 19, and a march to the Suburban Collector's Office in Bandra East to oppose the desalination plant at Manori.
Around 12 to 14 community groups were expected to participate in the protest, with an estimated 3000 people likely to join, according to a community leader.
Organisers are mobilising fishing communities from Palghar to Mumbai, seeking to stop a project they fear could affect marine ecosystems, traditional fishing grounds and livelihoods.
The groups had called for a united front to "save fishermen, farmers, and sons of the soil of Manori, Gorai, Malwani, Bhati, Madh, and Uttan by stopping this destructive project that threatens our oceans, our lands, and our livelihoods".
