MUMBAI, Oct. 20 -- Traditional fishing communities on Monday demanded an immediate halt to construction of the proposed 400-million-litres-per-day (MLD) desalination plant at Manori and cancellation of the Rs.3,000-crore project, alleging that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and district administration had failed to address concerns over livelihoods, environmental damage and land approvals. A delegation led by Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap met Mumbai suburban district collector Saurabh Katiyar, submitting a representation seeking a review of land approvals, a formal hearing on their objections and a stay on construction until the issues are resolved. The delegation expressed dissatisfaction with Katiyar's reported response that he could only forward their demands to the state government, questioning whether the collector was empowered to redress public grievances or was merely acting as a postman passing them on to the authorities. The fishermen demanded that construction on revenue department land be stopped until a proposed meeting with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis takes place. They also questioned how work could continue when, according to the delegation, the fisheries department had not issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the project. The Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti (AMKS) and local residents have demanded details regarding government land approvals at Manori, questioning the legal basis for transfer and the lack of consultation with traditional fishermen, farmers, and residents. Referring to a December 8, 2025 collector's order, AMKS president Devendra Damodar Tandel urged the collector to suspend construction or refer the matter to competent authorities, demanding a multi-departmental meeting and written resolution. The delegation criticized the BMC for sending junior officials to discussions, reinforcing perceptions that community concerns are ignored. Citing the BMC's February 2026 Environmental Impact Assessment-which details initial daily seawater intake of 500 MLD and brine discharge of 300 MLD, expanding to 1,000 MLD and 600 MLD-fishermen warned of severe marine ecosystem damage. Leaders Kiran Koli and Leo Colaso (MMKS) emphasized that hypersaline discharge threatens fish populations and generations of livelihoods. Sweety Henriques (Gorai Village Welfare Association) questioned whether reported prehistoric tool discoveries were archaeologically investigated. Economic viability was also challenged. Ramkrishna Tandel (National Fishworkers Forum) noted that fixing Mumbai's water leakages could save roughly 845 MLD, questioning the project's Rs.3,000-crore cost and Rs.147-crore annual electricity expense. Bernard D'Mello (AMKS) argued BMC must address unsustainable urban growth before building major coastal infrastructure, warning against expanding desalination to Versova without environmental review. Protests were escalated by allegations that police intercepted over 15 buses, detaining drivers and seizing keys. Despite obstructions, community members demonstrated, demanding the vehicles' release. Backed by Jagtap, AMKS insisted on an immediate work suspension. Katiyar was unavailable for comment....