October 4, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to revive the Mahim Koliwada Seafood Plaza, a popular weekend seafood market at Mahim Beach, ahead of Diwali this year. The plaza, which was launched by the civic body in November 2023, has frequently faced internal political disputes and was closed during the monsoon season from June to September.
The BMC provides infrastructure such as seating arrangements, stall facilities, and electric lighting for the plaza. Following the 2024 monsoon closure, the project did not resume immediately due to demands from the local Koli community that only Koli families be allotted stalls. The initiative was restarted in 2025 but closed again for the recent monsoon season.
A senior civic official said, “There are some concerns raised by the local federations about who gets to operate the stalls. These are being looked into with sensitivity. We have a lot of good plans for the seafood plaza, and we aim to reopen it.”
During its first three months in 2023, the seafood plaza attracted over 30,000 visitors, reflecting its popularity. According to a leader from the Mahim Koliwada community, there are three local federations, each insisting that only Kolis should operate stalls.
Following stakeholder meetings, the BMC has allotted some stalls to women’s self-help groups residing in the internal portion of the Koliwada, across the road from the plaza. “The BMC has allotted stalls to Kolis, but there are self-help groups that have demanded only women living along the coast at Mahim Beach should be allowed to do business. The matter has been taken up legally by the community. However, the dispute has caused uncertainty about how to restart the plaza among local residents,” a community member said.
Authorities are now working to resolve these disputes and ensure the seafood plaza reopens smoothly, promising a revived weekend attraction for both locals and visitors.
Source: Mid-day
