Elephanta stall owners reject Maritime Board’s demand of 10 years’ rent

Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) offered 130 stall owners on Gharapuri (Elephanta Island) a one-time opportunity to regularise stalls by clearing dues and signing five-year leases.

MMB demanded ₹5,41,272 per stall (including GST) covering arrears from 2016, which traders called “arbitrary, excessive and unreasonable”.

Traders said they would pay “fair and reasonable” rent but rejected the demanded amount; current annual rent is ₹59,543 (including GST).

MMB warned eviction if traders do not comply within 15 days; owners have been operating for decades, with stalls increasing from 69 in 2015 to 130 now.

Elephanta gram panchayat sarpanch Baliram Thakur confirmed all 130 stalls received eviction notices, and islanders rely solely on tourist income.