Mumbai's first seafood plaza reopens near Mahim Chowpatty with fish dishes at women's self-help group stalls

Mumbai's first seafood plaza, near Mahim Chowpatty, has reopened. Stalls run by women's self-help groups now serve a variety of fish dishes to visitors. The plaza will be open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 pm to 11 pm.

The stalls began operating on Saturday, October 24. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has restarted the initiative to promote the city's Koli food culture, support women's livelihoods and boost tourism.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) group leader and G North ward committee chairman Yashwant Killedar was present at the reopening. Marathi actor Kamlakar Satpute and G North ward Assistant Commissioner Yogesh Desai also attended. Municipal officials and women from the self-help groups took part in the event.

The plaza has decorative lights, a selfie point and seating for visitors. Those who come can experience traditional Koli food and culture.

The BMC had set up the plaza near Mahim Chowpatty to improve the surroundings of Mumbai's koliwadas, promote local food traditions and give women's self-help groups opportunities to earn. According to the corporation, thousands of tourists have visited over the past few years.

Women associated with the initiative have been trained in making fish-based products so that they can learn the basics of running a business and improve their income prospects. The BMC says it wants to make the women financially self-reliant and also contribute to the local economy.

G North ward Assistant Commissioner Yogesh Desai appealed to people to visit the plaza and support the city's traditional Koli culture and cuisine.

Earlier this month, the BMC also held a three-day exhibition of khadi and village industries products at its headquarters. It aimed to promote local artisans and entrepreneurs and help them reach a larger market.

The exhibition was organised with the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board. BMC House Leader Ganesh Khankar inaugurated it on October 13. Board chairman Ravindra Sathe, who holds the rank of Minister of State, was also present.

Khankar also appealed to BMC officers and employees to wear khadi clothes at least once a week. He asked the people of Mumbai as well to buy khadi and village industries products.