Team Goemkarponn
New Delhi: National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) General Secretary Olencio Simoes has opposed the Draft National Water Metro Policy, alleging that it could adversely impact river ecosystems and the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities.
Speaking at the Just Transition on Urban Waterways consultation organised by Climate Agenda at the Indian Social Institute in New Delhi, Simoes criticised the policy proposed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), which aims to introduce Water Metro services in 18 cities to ease urban traffic congestion.
Simoes claimed that the implementation of the Sagarmala Programme and the National Waterways Act, 2016, under which 111 rivers have been declared National Waterways, has already affected the customary rights of traditional inland fishing and riverine communities.
He alleged that the proposed Water Metro Policy would further intensify the ecological and social impacts of port-led development. According to him, large-scale capital dredging and continuous maintenance dredging required for Water Metro infrastructure could damage river ecosystems, accelerate riverbank erosion and affect fish breeding habitats.
Simoes also expressed concern over the potential impact on freshwater and marine ecosystems, stating that the cumulative effects of ports, waterways and Water Metro projects could adversely affect aquatic biodiversity and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The National Fishworkers’ Forum demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Draft National Water Metro Policy and urged the Government of India to hold wider consultations with traditional fishing communities and other stakeholders before implementing policies that directly affect their rights, livelihoods and natural resources.
The consultation concluded with participants calling for development policies that balance urban transport needs with ecological sustainability, social justice and the protection of traditional communities.
