Villagers Protest Against Technical Survey For Vadhavan Port Project In Palghar District

The proposed development of the ₹76,200 crore Vadhavan deep seaport in Palghar district, Maharashtra, has sparked local resistance. On Wednesday, a group of villagers staged a protest against a technical survey being conducted at the project site, raising concerns that the ambitious port could jeopardize their livelihoods and disrupt traditional fishing activities.

The Vadhavan Port, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024, is a major infrastructure project intended to become one of the top 10 global ports. It is being developed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNP) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), holding 74% and 26% stakes respectively. The port is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of supply chain management and boost SCM innovations in India.

Local opposition, however, paints a different picture. Protesters, many of whom rely on the sea for their livelihood, fear displacement and environmental degradation. A viral video shows villagers from Vadhavan and surrounding hamlets holding banners and demanding cancellation of the deep seaport project.