Fishermen face losses as rough seas halt operations and diesel quota remains pending.

The Storm

The fishing season in Uran has barely begun, but local fishermen are already facing difficulties. Rough weather and strong winds in the sea have forced several fishing boats to remain anchored at Karaj and other nearby ports.

The disruption has come at a difficult time for the fishing community, which is already struggling with rising operational costs and declining fish catches. With boats unable to venture into the sea, fishermen fear further financial losses during what is expected to be an important fishing season.

Another major concern is the delay in the allocation of the diesel quota. Fishermen depend heavily on subsidized diesel to operate their boats, and the delay has added to their financial burden. They have urged the authorities to approve the quota at the earliest. Fishermen have also raised concerns about the lack of a guaranteed price for their catch and adequate compensation for losses. Although fishing has been given agricultural status, they say they are yet to receive benefits comparable to those available to farmers.

For many families in Uran, fishing is not just a business but their main source of livelihood. The combination of unpredictable weather, rising costs and policy-related issues has made the beginning of this season particularly challenging.

Fishermen are now hoping that weather conditions improve soon and that the government addresses their concerns, allowing them to return to the sea and continue their work without further financial uncertainty.

Demand comes amid monsoon-related illnesses, with residents seeking quicker access to dengue and other fever tests.

The Tests

With monsoon-related illnesses on the rise, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has urged the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to start fever profile testing at its health centres in Nerul and Karave.

MNS city secretary Sachin Kadam submitted a letter to NMMC Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Mhatre, requesting that the facility be made available at the health centres in Sector 48, Nerul, and Sector 36, Karave.

At present, residents visiting these centres with fever are primarily advised to undergo malaria testing. If the report is negative, patients are asked to visit Meenatai Thackeray Hospital for further tests for dengue and other infections. Residents say the additional travel can be difficult, particularly for elderly people and those who are unwell.

A fever profile test generally includes tests for dengue, malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis and a complete blood count (CBC), helping doctors identify the possible cause of fever at an early stage. Sachin Kadam said providing these tests locally would save patients time and reduce the need to travel to another facility for basic investigations.

Following the request, the NMMC Medical Officer reportedly assured the MNS delegation that fever profile testing would soon be introduced at both health centres. The move, if implemented, could make diagnosis more convenient for residents and help ensure that patients receive timely medical attention during the monsoon season.

Old and damaged shelters to be replaced, while new bus stops and routes will be considered based on residents’ demands.

The Digital Bus Shelters

With Navi Mumbai witnessing rapid growth and an increasing number of commuters, the NMMC Transport Committee has begun reviewing public transport facilities across the city.

As part of the initiative, Transport Committee member Advocate Yashpal Ohal conducted an on-ground inspection of Airoli Ward No. 5, covering Sectors 5, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 19, along with Diva village. Transport department officials, local representatives and social workers accompanied him during the visit.

Ohal interacted with residents, local representatives and students waiting at bus stops to understand their everyday difficulties. Commuters raised concerns about bus timings, routes, inadequate shelters and the need for better connectivity in several areas. During the inspection, the committee also explored the possibility of introducing new NMMT bus services on routes where residents have been demanding improved connectivity.

Ohal said several old and damaged bus shelters in Airoli, some of which have existed since around 1990, will be replaced with modern digital shelters. Surveys will also be conducted at locations where residents require new bus stops.

He said the aim is to make public transport more convenient and passenger-friendly. The necessary administrative procedures will be completed soon, after which work on the new digital shelters is expected to begin. The initiative is expected to provide commuters, particularly students and daily passengers, with safer and more comfortable waiting spaces.