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Sewri (IAST: Śivdī, [ʃiʋɖiː]) is a locality along the eastern edge of South Mumbai, in Maharashtra, India. It is also the name of a railway station on the Central Railway Harbour Line.

Key Information

Lesser flamingos at Sewri jetty mudflats in early morning (January,2013)

Sewri (pronounced as Shivdi / शिवडी) is a small hamlet on the eastern shore of the Parel island, one of the original seven islands of Bombay. Sewri has a fort that dates back to 1770. The Agri-Horticultural Society had established gardens at Sewri, which were acquired in 1865 by Arthur Crawford, then the Municipal Commissioner of Bombay, for building a European cemetery. Large parts of Sewri belong to the Bombay Port Trust and were incorporated into the harbour facilities. In 1996, the mangrove swamps of Sewri were declared a protected ecology. Lesser flamingos from other parts of India come to these mangroves to breed.[1][2] The coastal area of locality includes the Sewri mudflats, a wetland.[3] The flamingos arrive at the mudflats from the months of October to March every year. These mudflats are near the Sewri jetty, which is a 20-minute walk from the railway station.

The Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road (RAK marg) which consist of four adjacent roads begins at Sewri and ends at Maheshwari Udyan (Matunga) near King's Circle station. Fatima High School can be found at the beginning of the RAK road. The Sewri Christian Cemetery, the largest of its kind within city limits, is located here.

Sewri East houses a number of industrial units especially those of Petrochemical industries. Sewri West is largely residential, consisting of housing societies like Sewri Koliwada, BDD Chawls and Mulraj Bhuvan. The Mulraj Bhuvan Group (MBG) is a very famous club in this area known for its sporting and social activities. Built by the British in the year 1925, Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Gulmohar Society, Labour Camp and Bhatwadi are located here as well. The market area is called "Sewri Naka".

The opening up of mill lands and the Mumbai Port Trust lands for development has resulted in a lot of construction activity in this area. The Sewri-Nhava Sheva transharbour link, which is being planned by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), threatens the habitat of the migratory flamingos.[4]

Festivals

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Shivaji Nagar Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Mandal brings Eco-Friendly Idol of height 6 feet for last 67 years

Ganeshutsav is the Biggest Festival is celebrated here. Pandals like, Shivaji Nagar Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Mandal, Shivdi cha Raja, Shivdi cha Vighnaharta and T.J Road cha Raja are some famous and old pandals of Sewri.

Notable for

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Sewri Flamingo Point

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Main article: Sewri Flamingo Point Bombay

Sewri Flamingo Point is located at a distance of around 1 kilometre from Sewri railway station. The point has large areas of mudflats which are a safe habitat for flamingos in winter. The mudflats abound in algae, which attracts flamingos who migrate to India every year between the months of October and March to escape the cold winters.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sewri

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Sewri (IAST: Śivdī) is a locality on the eastern shore of the historic Parel island in South Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, originally part of the seven islands that formed Bombay. The neighborhood blends industrial development with natural features, including coastal mudflats and mangroves that support significant avian biodiversity, particularly as a wintering site for migratory lesser flamingos feeding on algae-rich waters. Sewri Fort, constructed by the British East India Company in 1680 atop a quarried hill, served as a strategic watchtower and defensive outpost overlooking Mumbai Harbour to counter threats from Portuguese forces and later Siddi invasions. While the area has hosted oil refineries and shipping activities since the colonial era, its mudflats harbor over 150 bird species, drawing conservation attention amid urban expansion and pollution that paradoxically boosts food sources for flamingos through eutrophication.

Geography and Demographics

Location and Physical Features

Sewri is a locality situated along the eastern edge of in , , bordering . Its geographic coordinates are approximately 19°00′N 72°52′E. The neighborhood lies between to the north and to the south, forming part of the with direct access to the coastline. The physical landscape of Sewri features low-elevation coastal terrain, predominantly characterized by expansive mudflats and intertidal zones extending into the harbor. These mudflats, spanning roughly 10 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers in width between Sewri and , consist of soft sedimentary deposits exposed at and support forests covering significant portions of the . A dedicated 15-acre park preserves these ecosystems amid urban and industrial pressures. The area's reflects typical estuarine features, with elevations near facilitating tidal influences and sediment accumulation.

Population Composition and Socioeconomic Profile

Sewri's population was estimated at 97,214 residents in 2020, comprising 50,641 males and 46,573 females, yielding a of approximately 920 females per 1,000 males. The locality's high of 20,890 persons per square kilometer reflects its urban integration within Mumbai's coastal-industrial belt. The composition centers on the indigenous Koli fisherfolk, recognized as Mumbai's original inhabitants with a longstanding reliance on , particularly around Sewri's harbors and wetlands. This group, predominantly Hindu and traditionally organized into clans like Son-Koli and Mahadev Koli, coexists with migrant laborers from states such as , who have entered fishing and ancillary trades since the late amid local labor shifts. Industrial growth has further diversified the populace with workers in shipbreaking, , and port operations, though exact caste or religious breakdowns remain undocumented at the locality level. Socioeconomically, Sewri profiles as a working-class enclave with primary occupations in , informal labor, and , contributing to variable household incomes strained by and . Redevelopment initiatives since the 2000s have displaced some traditional fishers toward service roles or migration out, while migrants fill low-skill gaps in shipyards and factories. Literacy rates align broadly with Mumbai's 2011 urban average of 89.7%, though likely lower among fisherfolk hamlets due to intergenerational occupational focus on maritime skills over formal . Housing mixes chawls, tenements, and emerging high-rises, with many residents facing affordability pressures amid proximity to commercial hubs like offices and retail outlets.

History

Pre-Colonial Fishing Settlement

Sewri, historically referred to as Shivdi, functioned as a modest on Mumbai's eastern shoreline during the medieval era, integrated into the 13th-century kingdom ruled by the king Raja Bhimdev, whose domain encompassed the archipelago of seven islands that would later form the city. This settlement's proximity to the and harbor supported rudimentary maritime activities, with local inhabitants relying on the coastal ecosystem for sustenance. Archaeological and historical accounts of the broader Mumbai region indicate human presence dating back to prehistoric times, though specific evidence for Shivdi remains limited to its association with a shrine, suggesting a community anchored by religious and agrarian practices alongside . The primary residents were indigenous groups akin to the Koli community, recognized as the archipelago's earliest documented settlers with a seafaring heritage rooted in and boat-building. Kolis, of Dravidian origin and scattered across the coast, inhabited coastal hamlets like Shivdi, employing traditional methods such as net-casting and small-vessel navigation to harvest fish from the and creeks, forming the economic backbone of these pre-urban enclaves. Prior to Portuguese arrival in 1534, such settlements operated autonomously under regional Hindu kingdoms, with minimal centralized infrastructure beyond shrines and thatched dwellings, reflecting a subsistence lifestyle vulnerable to tidal and seasonal fluctuations. Limited textual records from the era, drawn from later colonial ethnographies and regional chronicles, portray these hamlets as self-sufficient but isolated, with trade confined to local of and salt. The absence of fortified structures or extensive artifacts underscores Shivdi's character as a peripheral outpost rather than a political center, sustained by the Koli's adaptive knowledge of amid the marshy, mangrove-fringed terrain. This pre-colonial phase persisted until European incursions disrupted indigenous patterns, though the Koli presence endured as a cultural continuity.

Colonial Era and Fortification

During the Portuguese colonial period, which began with their of the Bombay islands in 1534, Sewri—then known as Shivdi—remained a modest hamlet on the eastern shore of Island, valued for its coastal access but lacking significant fortifications. The Portuguese focused on broader harbor defenses rather than dedicated structures at Sewri, though they refurbished existing shrines and settlements in the area as part of their control over the seven islands. Following the cession of Bombay to the British Crown in 1661 as dowry for Charles II's marriage to Catherine of Braganza, the East India Company assumed administration and recognized Sewri's strategic position for defending the eastern waterfront against maritime threats, including lingering Portuguese influence across the Mithi River and raids by the Siddis of Janjira. In response to Siddi attacks in 1672, the British initiated a series of coastal fortifications, culminating in the construction of Sewri Fort in 1680 from local basalt stone as a watchtower and initial defense outpost. The fort, positioned on a land jutting into the harbor, featured minimalistic military architecture with bastions for artillery, serving to monitor sea approaches and deter invasions while also functioning briefly as a prison for captives. Sewri Fort played a pivotal role in key colonial conflicts, notably during the 1689 Siddi siege led by Yakut Khan, when forces under his command overran the outpost on February 15, enabling advances toward Mazgaon and before British counteroffensives reclaimed it. By 1772, enhanced British defenses repelled a assault on the fort, underscoring its evolving role in securing Bombay's perimeter amid Anglo- rivalries. These events highlighted the fort's tactical importance in a era of frequent naval skirmishes, though its prominence waned as Bombay's defenses centralized around the main harbor by the late .

Industrialization and Post-Independence Growth

Following 's independence in 1947, Sewri benefited from national industrialization policies emphasizing import substitution and expansion of , which spurred growth in port-adjacent sectors. As part of Mumbai's eastern waterfront, the area saw increased industrial activity, including the development of consumer goods production facilities. In 1967, (India) Limited commenced local at its Sewri plant, focusing on and oral care products to meet rising domestic demand and reduce reliance on imports. This established Sewri as a hub for multinational operations, with the facility employing hundreds in assembly and packaging lines amid India's second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961), which prioritized chemical and light industries. Shipbreaking solidified as a core industry in Sewri's Darukhana neighborhood, driven by post-independence surges in maritime trade and vessel decommissioning. Yards here dismantled ships for steel, engines, and reusable components, generating employment for thousands of laborers in cutting, salvage, and resale operations. By the 1970s and 1980s, Sewri's proximity to Port facilitated handling of larger vessels, contributing to India's emergence as a global leader in ship , with activities peaking before competition from Gujarat's yards in the 1980s. The sector's growth aligned with port expansion under the Mumbai Port Trust, which handled increasing cargo volumes—rising from 10 million tonnes in 1950 to over 20 million by 1980—supporting ancillary industries like . Petrochemical and chemical processing units proliferated in Sewri East during the –, capitalizing on imported feedstocks via harbor access and national incentives for downstream industries under the third and fourth Five-Year Plans. These facilities produced intermediates for plastics and detergents, employing skilled workers and integrating with Mumbai's broader industrial belt. Growth metrics included a near-doubling of output in from 1950–1970, with Sewri's units exemplifying urban industrial diversification before later pressures. However, by the 1990s, inefficiencies and strikes in related sectors like textiles indirectly strained local operations, though shipbreaking and select persisted into the .

Economy and Infrastructure

Traditional Fishing and Shipbreaking Industries

The traditional fishing industry in Sewri is dominated by the Koli community, Mumbai's indigenous fisherfolk, who have sustained livelihoods through artisanal coastal practices for generations. Kolis in Sewri employ low-tech methods, including mud skating on intertidal flats of the Mahul-Sewri Creek to harvest crabs, prawns, and shellfish during low tides, a technique adapted to the mangrove-fringed . This subsistence fishing supplements marine catches from the , with women historically processing and vending dried fish at local wholesale markets, such as Sewri's dry seafood hub trading and prawns in bulk. These activities persist amid , though yields have declined due to and habitat loss, with the Maharashtra fisheries department planning a modern 5-acre on Mumbai Port Trust land to support over 1,000 local vendors as of 2024. Shipbreaking in Sewri, centered at yards operated by the Mumbai Port Trust near the docks, emerged as a key scrap metal and steel recycling sector in the post-independence era, handling end-of-life vessels beached or berthed for dismantling. Typically, 3-4 ships undergo breaking at any time, yielding recyclable materials amid labor-intensive processes employing local workers, though operations have drawn scrutiny for hazardous smoke emissions affecting nearby docks. Linked to broader Mumbai maritime activities since the colonial period, Sewri's yards contribute to India's shipbreaking capacity, which accounts for about 50% of global activity alongside sites like Alang, but face regulatory pressures over worker safety and environmental compliance under frameworks like the Hong Kong International Convention. Despite modernization drives, traditional elements persist in manual cutting and informal labor networks, intertwining with fishing economies in the Mazgaon-Sewri waterfront.

Modern Industrial Zones and Redevelopment Initiatives

Sewri East maintains active industrial zones, primarily comprising units that support Mumbai's chemical and manufacturing sectors. These facilities, established amid post-independence industrialization, continue to operate amid urban pressures, with operations regulated under Pollution Control Board guidelines to mitigate emissions. Redevelopment initiatives in Sewri focus on integrating former industrial and areas into mixed-use developments, driven by enhancements like the (MTHL), operational since January 2024, which reduced travel times to [Navi Mumbai](/page/Navi Mumbai) to 20 minutes and boosted land values. The 4.5-kilometer Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor, a feeder to the MTHL, is under planning by the (MMRDA), with construction anticipated to commence post-2025 environmental clearances, facilitating connectivity to . The Parel-Sewri Local Area Plan, proposed in frameworks around 2022, emphasizes regeneration through road widening, reduced block sizes via feeder roads, and increased public open spaces, alongside proposals for sites like Naigaum Station to accommodate higher built-up densities while preserving historical elements. In July 2022, the corridor project identified 19 residential buildings for potential cluster or relocation to enable right-of-way acquisition. Maharashtra government's October 7, 2025, approval for cluster redevelopment targets pockets exceeding 50 acres, converting them into integrated housing with amenities under Slum Rehabilitation Authority oversight; while not exclusively Sewri-focused, the policy applies to the locality's informal settlements, promising formal housing but raising concerns over eligibility and displacement for ineligible residents. efforts include L&T Realty's 2024-announced mixed-use in Sewri West, combining residential towers with retail, and Group's launch of premium 3- and 4-BHK apartments ranging from 1,200 square feet, positioned near transformation zones. These initiatives reflect a shift from toward sustainable urban density, though challenges persist in balancing ecological safeguards—such as protection—with development, as evidenced by MTHL's mandated environmental measures.

Transportation Networks and Connectivity

Sewri railway station (code: SVE), located on the Harbour Line of the , serves as a primary rail hub for local commuters, with frequent trains linking it to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in the south, Wadala Road to the north, and extending toward . The station operates under Central Railway's Mumbai CSM division, features two platforms at an elevation of 7 meters, and caters to peak-hour rushes from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, supporting daily footfall in the thousands amid 's dense suburban network. Road infrastructure centers on the Eastern Freeway, a signal-free corridor that integrates Sewri with and extends northward via the Eastern Express Highway, facilitating quicker access to business districts and reducing congestion for industrial traffic. The (MTHL), a 21.8 km six-lane sea bridge originating at Sewri and spanning to Chirle in , operational since January 2024, cuts travel time across the harbor to 15-20 minutes and boosts connectivity to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) for freight and passenger movement. This link ties into like NH348, enhancing logistics for Sewri's shipbreaking yards and nearby industries. The under-construction 4.5 km Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, advancing to 60% completion as of February 2025, will bridge the MTHL directly to Seaface via a four-lane elevated over tracks, projected for opening by December 2025 to alleviate east-west bottlenecks and support elevated integration. Proximity to Port's eastern docks further enables maritime connectivity, with BEST bus routes supplementing rail and for last-mile access to residential and fishing communities. These networks collectively position Sewri as a vital node in 's grid, handling industrial cargo while serving over 1 million metropolitan commuters daily.

Environment and Ecology

Coastal Wetlands and Mangrove Ecosystems

The coastal wetlands of Sewri primarily comprise intertidal mudflats along the eastern Mumbai waterfront, extending into the Mahul-Sewree Creek, which measures approximately 10 km in length and 3 km in width and is characterized by extensive coverage along its coastal fringes. These ecosystems form part of Mumbai's broader 66 km² mangrove belt, serving as critical buffers against and storm surges while supporting nutrient cycling through tidal flushing. The Sewri Mangrove Park, a designated 15-acre (about 6-hectare) protected zone within the mudflats between Sewri and , exemplifies this habitat, maintained by the Mumbai Port Trust to prevent further encroachment or construction. Mangrove species in the Sewri region, dominated by genera such as and , exhibit structural complexity adapted to high-salinity, anaerobic conditions, with root systems facilitating trapping and . These forests contribute to local and , filtering pollutants before they enter the , though empirical studies highlight variability in stand density due to substrate gradients along the creek. Recent assessments have identified Sewri as a microplastic accumulation hotspot, with secondary trapped in pneumatophores, exacerbating toxicity. Threats to these ecosystems include industrial effluents, untreated sewage discharge, and oil spills, which have coated leaves and killed saplings in incidents documented around Sewri and nearby areas like . Urban expansion and slum encroachments further fragment habitats, reducing mangrove extent despite legal protections, while chemical pollution from adjacent refineries introduces pesticides and into the tidal zones. Conservation measures focus on monitoring and , such as restoring tidal connectivity to counter , though enforcement remains challenged by competing port and industrial priorities.

Wildlife: Flamingo Migration and Biodiversity

The intertidal mudflats of Sewri, part of Mumbai's eastern coastline, serve as a critical wintering ground for migratory flamingos, primarily lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) and greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). These birds arrive from breeding grounds in and the , typically between September and May, with peak concentrations from October to March. The mudflats' hypersaline conditions and abundant cyanobacterial blooms, fueled by nutrient-rich effluents from nearby industries, provide a reliable food source of and . Populations have grown since the 1990s; surveys recorded approximately 17,000 flamingos in 2003, predominantly lesser flamingos, with recent counts at Sewri reaching 25,000 lesser flamingos during the 2021-2022 season. Sewri-Mahul Bay, designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), hosts diverse avifauna beyond flamingos, with over 150 bird species documented, including migratory waders such as lesser sand plovers (Charadrius mongolus), curlew sandpipers (Calidris ferruginea), and whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus). Resident and wintering species like egrets, , and forage in the wetlands, while the adjacent forests support crabs, molluscs, and fish that form the base of the . A baseline study identified physico-chemical parameters favoring high flamingo densities, with and levels correlating to algal productivity essential for the . Biodiversity surveys reveal seven species, ten reptiles, and various , underscoring Sewri's role in regional ecological connectivity within the wetland complex. However, flamingo abundance fluctuates with environmental stressors; for instance, populations stabilized at lower levels from to before peaking in in monitored years. Conservation efforts by organizations like the emphasize monitoring to balance urban development pressures with habitat preservation.

Pollution Sources and Mitigation Efforts

Sewri's coastal and wetland areas are contaminated by heavy metals, microplastics, and airborne toxins originating from industrial operations, port activities, and urban runoff. Shipbreaking yards in the vicinity release heavy metals such as mercury into the creeks, with sediment samples from Sewri mudflats recording mercury concentrations of 23.05 micrograms per liter as of 2009, exceeding safe limits by over 20 times. Metal pollution in Sewri and adjacent Thane creeks poses lethal risks to avian species, potentially causing mortality or reproductive failure through bioaccumulation in the food chain. Coal storage facilities at the port generate smoldering piles that emit toxic sulphur compounds, exacerbating air and soil pollution. Microplastic pollution, derived from domestic wastewater, industrial effluents, and urban stormwater, accumulates in mangrove sediments, with an average density of 6,730 particles per kilogram of dry sediment across Mumbai's mangrove zones, including Sewri hotspots. Sewage discharge and encroachment further degrade the 15-acre Sewri , introducing organic pollutants that threaten . Air quality in Sewri is compromised by particulate matter from dust, , vehicular emissions, and power plants, contributing up to 70% of PM2.5 levels in . Mitigation initiatives include such as mangrove restoration to bolster ecosystem resilience against pollution and encroachment in Sewri's mudflats. The has undertaken replanting efforts in nearby mangrove areas, serving as a model for Sewri conservation. Municipal efforts under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Mitigation Action Plan allocate resources for dust suppression and emission controls, though broader ecological is advocated to root causes beyond temporary measures. Proposals for a Sewri Ecological emphasize sustainable waterfront development integrating conservation, community involvement, and pollution monitoring to preserve wetlands amid urban pressures. The enforces construction site guidelines for dust control, debris management, and vehicle regulations to curb particulate emissions. Non-governmental organizations like SEEDS promote awareness campaigns on mangrove protection, targeting threats from pollution and .

Culture and Community Life

Koli Fishing Traditions and Social Structure

The Koli inhabitants of Sewri Koliwada, a traditional fishing enclave along Mumbai's eastern coast, have sustained artisanal fishing for centuries using hand-woven nets designed for specific species in the and adjacent creeks. Fishermen typically deploy these nets from small wooden boats during short outings of 6-7 hours or multi-day expeditions, targeting intertidal and nearshore stocks while adhering to practices like releasing undersized or endangered fish to maintain ecological balance. Gender roles delineate labor: men handle sea voyages and net deployment, often facing risks from and , while women manage onshore processing—cleaning, sorting, drying, and marketing catches at local venues, where daily earnings can reach ₹700 amid fluctuating yields. These activities underpin economies in Mumbai's approximately 30 koliwadas, though Koli fishing families numbered 10,082 in 2005 before declining to 9,304 by 2010 due to encroachment. Socially, the community coalesces in sea-facing hamlets like , where familial clans and bodies such as the Koli Samaj coordinate welfare, , and cultural continuity, fostering resilience against despite income drops of up to 75% from lost fishing grounds. This structure emphasizes collective dependence on , with traditions encoded in oral songs and rituals affirming their indigenous ties to the coast.

Local Festivals and Religious Practices

The predominantly Koli Hindu community in Sewri maintains traditional observances tied to their fishing heritage and agrarian cycles. Narali Purnima, observed on the of Shravan (typically mid-August), signals the post-monsoon resumption of voyages, with rituals including offerings of coconuts, rice, and sweets to Dev, the deity, performed at the shoreline to ensure bountiful catches and safety. , marking the triumph of good over evil, features century-old customs such as communal bonfires () followed by colored powders and folk dances, preserving pre-urban Koli practices amid modern surroundings. Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai's premier festival in August-September, includes local sarvajanik mandals like Sewri Cha Raja at Prabhodan Thackeray Udyan near the bus depot, where clay idols are installed for 10-11 days of worship, aartis, and prasad distribution before immersion processions. Navratri celebrations honor with garba dances and temple visits, notably at sites dedicated to Aai, the Koli clan's patron goddess, culminating in vibrant Diwali decorations and for prosperity. The Christian minority, largely Catholic, gathers at Our Lady of Fatima Church for daily masses at 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (English), alongside weekly devotions: Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on Wednesdays before masses and St. Jude Thaddeus on Thursdays post-masses. features masses at 6:30 a.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m., plus Thursday silent adoration, emphasizing penance and . The adjacent Sewri Christian , Mumbai's largest and oldest (established British era, circa 1790s), serves as a site for commemorations. Sewri's Muslim residents participate in the annual at Sewri , a Sufi commemoration in featuring sandalwood processions, , and palki yatras, drawing interfaith crowds for blessings. These practices reflect Sewri's syncretic fabric, blending indigenous Koli with colonial-era and Islamic , though urban pressures have scaled down some rituals.

Architectural and Historical Landmarks

Sewri Fort, constructed in 1680 by the British , stands as the primary historical landmark in the locality, originally designed as a coastal and defensive outpost along Mumbai's eastern shoreline. Built primarily from stone with wooden beams, the fort features a modest quadrilateral plan akin to nearby , including bastions for artillery and minimal ornamentation focused on military utility rather than aesthetic grandeur. It served as the first line of defense against Portuguese incursions from across the , contributing to British consolidation of control over the harbor approaches during the late . By the , the fort had transitioned into a strategic military site amid evolving colonial defenses, though it saw limited action compared to more prominent fortifications. Architecturally, its robust yet unadorned structure reflects pragmatic colonial engineering, with surviving elements like weathered walls and gate remnants offering insight into early British fortifications in . Restoration initiatives in recent years aim to preserve this 17th-century heritage amid urban encroachment, highlighting its role in 's defensive history. Today, the site provides panoramic views of the harbor and proximity to ecological zones, though access remains restricted and the structure is in partial ruin. Adjacent to the fort lies a smaller dargah, underscoring the area's layered religious history, while the nearby Sewri Christian Cemetery represents one of Mumbai's oldest burial grounds, dating to the colonial era and interring early European settlers and officials. These sites, though less documented than the fort, attest to Sewri's evolution from a defensive periphery to a multicultural settlement, with limited surviving pre-colonial due to subsequent industrial overlays. No major temples or churches of verifiable antiquity dominate the locality, as historical prioritize the fort's strategic over religious edifices.

Controversies and Challenges

Environmental Impacts of Urban Development

Urban development in Sewri, encompassing port expansions, industrial activities, and infrastructure projects like the (MTHL), has exerted considerable pressure on the area's coastal ecosystems. The MTHL, a 21.8 km sea bridge inaugurated on January 12, 2024, originating from Sewri and crossing , has fragmented the contiguous Sewri , disrupting hydrological flows and habitat connectivity essential for wetland ecosystem services. This fragmentation poses risks to migratory populations, including lesser flamingos that rely on the mudflats for , with observations noting a decline in bird numbers at Sewri mudflats from October 2019 to February 2020 compared to prior years. Mangrove habitats in Sewri have suffered direct losses from reclamation and port-related disturbances. In the Sewri Mangrove Park, established by the Mumbai Port Trust in 1997, approximately 30 hectares of mangroves were destroyed due to encroachment, , and activities. Incidents such as coking spillage from docked ships in 2012 led to widespread mangrove die-off in Sewri Bay, exacerbated by port infrastructure like retaining walls that altered tidal flows and sediment deposition. Broader urban expansion in , including housing and slum development, has contributed to an estimated 40% loss of citywide mangrove cover over the past decade, with similar pressures evident in Sewri's coastal zones. These developments have intensified pollution loads, with urban and industrial runoff introducing and into mangrove sediments, compromising their role as natural filters and coastal buffers against erosion and storm surges. While the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority allocated ₹135.6 crore for MTHL-related environmental mitigation by 2020, including measures for control, persistent habitat degradation underscores the trade-offs between connectivity gains and ecological integrity.

Conflicts Over Livelihoods and Land Use

In Sewri, the traditional Koli fishing community has faced ongoing disputes with authorities and developers over access to coastal lands and waters essential for their livelihoods, as urban expansion and infrastructure projects encroach on mudflats, mangroves, and creek fishing grounds. These areas, integral to small-scale artisanal fishing, have been degraded by and , reducing fish catches and forcing many families to seek alternative employment. A prominent example is the (MTHL), a 21.8-kilometer bridge starting at Sewri and connecting to Nhava Sheva, which has directly impacted fishing zones by altering marine habitats and restricting access. In January 2024, affected fishermen threatened to the project's inauguration, citing delays in compensation payments and severe economic hardship from lost fishing areas, with the construction exacerbating risks to their businesses amid already declining yields. The MTHL's construction destroyed significant cover—estimated in lakhs of trees—decimating marine nurseries and contributing to a reported 90% loss of traditional fishing spots in the vicinity, where Sewri's Kolis operate. Broader land-use tensions stem from industrialization around Thane Creek, including Mumbai Port Trust expansions and nearby refineries, which have polluted waters with effluents and heavy metals, further diminishing biodiversity and fish stocks critical to Koli sustenance. Rapid urbanization has shrunk creek habitats through reclamation for ports, roads, and housing, leading to habitat fragmentation and overfishing pressures that undermine the ecological base of local fisheries. Koliwadas, including Sewri's traditional settlements on gaothan lands, remain undemarcated in city development plans as of 2025, fueling disputes over property rights versus commercial interests on prime seafront plots. These conflicts highlight a pattern where short-term infrastructure gains prioritize economic growth over long-term coastal sustainability, with fishermen advocating for enforcement to protect their commons, though enforcement remains inconsistent amid competing urban demands. Local groups have called for to revive fisheries, arguing that without it, erodes as younger Kolis abandon nets for urban jobs.

Recent Projects and Future Prospects

The (MTHL), a 21.8 km sea bridge connecting Sewri to Nhava Sheva, was inaugurated on January 12, 2024, reducing travel time from over an hour to 20 minutes and facilitating industrial and residential growth in the region. This infrastructure has spurred real estate activity, with projects like L&T The Gateway—a luxury development offering 3- and 4-BHK apartments—under construction for completion by September 2028, priced from ₹4.96 onward. Similarly, Shapoorji Pallonji's The Canvas Residences, featuring 2- and 3-BHK units starting at ₹2.55 , targets premium buyers amid improved access via MTHL. The Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor (SWEC), a 4.5 km, 4-lane elevated structure estimated at ₹2,250 , began key phases in 2023 and aims to connect MTHL directly to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link by 2027, alleviating congestion on Dr. Ambedkar Road. includes viaducts and ramps, with partial operationalization targeted for 2026, though delays from land acquisition and environmental clearances persist. On the conservation front, the Flamingo Sanctuary, notified in 2015 across 65.8 sq km including Sewri mudflats, has seen ongoing monitoring programs since MTHL's construction, with (BNHS) surveys documenting bird behavior and habitat fragmentation mitigation through dredging adjustments. Recent efforts include ' 2025 mangrove restoration in Sewri, planting native species to bolster coastal resilience against urban encroachment. Prospects hinge on balancing expansion with ecological safeguards, as enhanced connectivity via SWEC and MTHL could double property values but exacerbate wetland loss, with over 50% of Sewri's mudflats already impacted by reclamation since 2010. Developers anticipate 20-30% annual appreciation through 2030, driven by proximity to upcoming metro lines, yet environmental groups warn of decline without stricter enforcement of norms. Potential eco-tourism initiatives, leveraging flamingo migrations, could offset pressures if integrated into Mumbai's development plans, though historical trade-offs like the sanctuary designation have yielded mixed results in halting fragmentation.

References

  1. https://www.rustomjee.com/blog/sewri-the-new-address-of-luxury/
  2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371834866_Documenting_Bird_Biodiversity_in_the_Sewri-Mahul_Bay_IBA_Mumbai
  3. https://lemonicks.com/asia/india/mumbai/sewri-fort-mumbai/
  4. https://commonlogues.com/2024/04/story-of-sewri-fort-the-siege-of-bombay/
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/mar/26/a-double-edged-sword-mumbai-pollution-perfect-for-flamingos
  6. https://mapcarta.com/14859216
  7. https://housing.com/sewri-mumbai-overview-P758ipjcpr20oiqr
  8. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/water-quality-and-pollution/pollution/can-sewri-get-back-pink
  9. https://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/leisure/travel/mangrove.html
  10. https://www.keybiodiversityareas.org/site/factsheet/18270
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