India, Oct. 27 -- Two fishermen welfare societies have approached the high court, challenging an order passed by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in May 2022, declaring as a slum a plot of land that local fishers have used for generations to dry fish. The petitioners-the Danda Koli Masemari Vyavasayik Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit and the Danda Koli Samaj-have also sought directions for the removal of encroachments on the land.

The petition states that the primary source of livelihood of the Khar Danda Kolis is fishing and ancillary activities that are crucial for their cultural and economic sustenance. It adds that the state government, through a circular issued in 1983, recognised the need for these ancillary activities such as fish...