India, May 14 -- Despite strong opposition from citizens and civic groups, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has opened a seafood plaza at Carter Road promenade, citing cultural promotion of the indigenous koli (fisher) community. The food plaza, launched on May 2, will feature seafood stalls managed by koli women self-help groups and will be open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

According to BMC officials, the initiative aims to preserve and promote the traditional coastal culture of Mumbai's original inhabitants-the kolis. However, several resident groups have raised concerns about the food plaza's legality and its impact on the environment and public safety.

The Impact Group, a coalition of citizens from the Bandra-Kha...