Protests in Palghar Against Development Plans: A Fight for Communities and Livelihoods

In Palghar, Maharashtra, a wave of protests has swept through the region, echoing the voices of thousands of residents who stand united against significant development plans that threaten their homes and livelihoods. The protests on National Highway 48, which took place recently, were sparked by plans for the Vadhavan port and a proposed “fourth Mumbai” city in the area, just 84 km north of Mumbai.

Among the protestors was Ashok Dharmameher, a wada pao seller from Chinchani village, located a mere 6 km from the proposed port site. He voiced his concerns passionately, stating, “I wish the sea was far away from here. Then this project would not be here.” Like many others, he fears displacement from his home, a place where his family has lived for years. With limited information about the development plans, Ashok and his neighbours are anxious about their future.

The protestors included various organizations like the Vadhavan Bandar Virodh Sangharsh Samiti, which has actively opposed the port’s construction. Another group, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), raised concerns over land acquisition related to these projects. Some participants were also advocating for forest rights, highlighting the multifaceted nature of their protest.

Palghar has witnessed growing opposition to the Vadhavan port in recent years, especially from fishing communities who rely on the sea for their livelihood. Although the port is proposed to be built offshore, extensive infrastructural work, including roads and railways, would require land acquisition from local villages, further exacerbating the concerns of residents.

The Vadhavan port project represents a significant investment of Rs 76,000 crore, a joint venture between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Maharashtra Maritime Board. Spanning an area of 17,471 hectares, this project plans to use a staggering 200 million cubic metres of sand from a pit off the coast of Gujarat for land reclamation, along with stones from local quarries in Palghar.

In addition to the port, future plans for the region include an offshore airport, a textile park, a new expressway, and a freight rail corridor. Many residents have already lost land due to the bullet train project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Concerns about the impact of these developments come from fisherfolk, farmers, and members of tribal communities, who submitted a memorandum to the Palghar collector, calling for a halt to the projects, asserting that they pose a significant threat to both their environment and livelihoods.

Local leaders have pointed out that the Dahanu taluka, where the port is planned, is an eco-sensitive zone, making it legally questionable. The Supreme Court-nominated Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority had previously rejected a port at this location back in 1998. The protestors argue that building the port violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and dignity. They refer to the Public Trust doctrine, which indicates that natural resources belong to the public, not the government.

Devashree Kini, the deputy sarpanch of Vasgaon village, passionately stated, “We don’t want this port or their jobs. We are self-sufficient. This port will wipe out our existence.” Echoing her sentiments, Sachin Patil, a farmer, expressed fear that the displacement seen in other port communities might soon affect Palghar, impacting livelihoods and the existence of local culture.

Palghar, known for its Adivasi population, lacks basic amenities such as hospitals, and residents are now focused on demanding their rightful claims under the Forest Rights Act. Brian Lobo from the Kashtakari Sanghatana pointed out that while land is being acquired for new projects, existing claims of tribal people remain unresolved. Over 3,000 appeals related to forest rights are pending action, with many residents unsure about their future.

Critics of the project argue that while the authorities promise jobs for locals, the types of employment offered are unlikely to benefit the majority, leaving them with menial jobs. A local named Prasad Shinde questioned why the project couldn’t be relocated further north, where people migrate seeking jobs, arguing that this new development would only erode the existing community.

Jyoti Meher, from the Maharashtra Macchimar Kruti Samiti, encapsulated the fight: “We are fighting for our existence and rights over natural resources.” The residents of Palghar continue to rally together, hoping to protect their way of life against these encroaching plans for development.

As the struggle continues, the voices of Palghar stand firm, championing environmental justice and the protection of their livelihoods. The fight is personal, and for many, it is a battle for survival.

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