Thousands Rally in Palghar to Oppose Major Infrastructure Projects
Approximately 20,000 people from Palghar district participated in a large-scale protest march on Monday. They voiced strong opposition to the planned Vadhavan port and several other development initiatives. The demonstrators cited serious environmental concerns and procedural issues as their main reasons for taking to the streets.
A Peaceful March with a Powerful Message
Organized by the Vadhavan Bandar Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti (VBVSS), the protest saw men and women walking nearly five kilometers. They started from Palghar railway station and proceeded to the district Collector's office. The crowd demanded immediate cancellation of multiple projects, including the Vadhavan port, a proposed airport, Murbhe port, the Kelve textile park, and the Fourth Mumbai project.
Vaibhav Vaze, secretary of the VBVSS, explained the purpose of the march. He stated that the event aimed to send a clear message to the government. Vaze emphasized that local fishermen, adivasis, and residents continue to oppose these projects strongly. The protest also sought to counter what organizers called misleading government claims about local support.
Addressing Misleading Statements and Local Concerns
Devendra Tandel, president of the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti, shared his perspective. He mentioned that the chief minister's statements about Palghar residents welcoming the projects prompted this morcha. Tandel stressed that the demonstration showcased the depth of local displeasure. He argued that these projects would primarily benefit outsiders while disadvantaging local fishermen and farmers.
Protesters submitted a detailed memorandum to the Collector, addressed to the chief minister. This document bore signatures from eleven fishermen and local unions. It outlined a range of objections, from environmental damage to procedural lapses.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
The memorandum referenced a 1998 order from the Dahanu Environmental Protection Authority (DEPA). This order declared the region an eco-sensitive zone. The letter alleged that social and environmental impact assessments for the Vadhavan port contain numerous errors. It also pointed to pending cases before the Supreme Court. Despite these legal challenges, the administration continues to push ahead with preparatory work, according to the protesters.
The march remained peaceful throughout, with participants expressing their grievances in an organized manner. This event highlights growing tensions between development goals and community rights in Maharashtra's coastal regions.
