The call for a Manori bandh on October 19 to oppose the proposed desalination plant received a lukewarm response, with shops, resorts, ferry services, and public transport operating normally.
Protesters stopped
Villagers heading to the Suburban Collector’s office to protest alleged that police stopped their private bus.
Normal services
Manori, a popular tourist destination known for its resorts and hotels, attracts visitors from across Mumbai. While concerns arose that the bandh could disrupt ferry services and inconvenience tourists, transport services continued to operate normally.
On-ground reality check
On Monday, mid-day’s photographer travelled to Manori village by ferry and found services running as usual. Tourists and commuters used the ferries to reach Marve and travel onwards to Manori. Shops and resorts were also open, with transport services operating normally.
Protest march
Fishing and Koli communities called the bandh in Manori and Gorai on October 19, alongside a ‘Chalo Bandra’ protest march to the Suburban Collector’s office in Bandra East. Around 12 to 14 community and fishing groups, including the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti, joined the protest, with support from local villagers and environmental activists.
People Speak
A Staff member, at a popular resort in Gorai
‘A bandh was called to oppose the proposed desalination plant in the area. However, since ferry and other services were operational, our resort continued accepting bookings, and guests had no difficulty reaching the property.’
A staff member, at another resort
‘We have bookings, and some guests have already arrived at the resort without any difficulty. We had also informed our guests that if they were unable to find transport, we would arrange to pick them up.’
* This article was originally published here
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