Coastal Groups Challenge Manori Desalination Project, Demand NOC Review

Coastal community leaders met Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane at Mantralaya on Tuesday to voice concerns over the proposed Manori desalination project and the conditional No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted by the Maharashtra Maritime Board to the BMC. The delegation alleged that the BMC has circumvented safeguards designed to protect local fishing grounds and traditional livelihoods.

Rane assured the delegation he would raise the matter with the Chief Minister and arrange a meeting with the BMC Commissioner. Bernard D'Mello, Working President of Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti, stated that these safeguards cannot be treated as meaningless formalities, emphasizing the survival concerns of traditional fishing communities. The delegation expressed disappointment that the MMB advised them to approach the BMC after the NOC had already been issued.

A mass protest is planned for 19 October 2026 at the Collector's Office. The 400 million litre per day desalination plant aims to help bridge Mumbai's water supply deficit, with the city receiving 4,100 MLD against a demand of 4,665 MLD.