Local Protests Demand Higher Compensation for Vadhvan Port Land

Palghar, Jul 3 (PTI) — Local residents have raised demands for higher compensation for their land, which is slated for acquisition for the proposed Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra's Palghar district. They also insist on securing priority in employment at the massive infrastructure project.

The demands were voiced during a meeting held at the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer in Dahanu on Wednesday, following protests by a section of villagers who fear the project might strip them of their livelihoods. The district administration organized the meeting to address concerns related to the ambitious endeavor and to "provide proper information" to the protestors, according to an official statement.

Assistant District Collector Vishal Khatri, Deputy District Collector Mahesh Sagar, and representatives from the gram panchayats of Varor, Dhakti Dahanu, and Chinchani were present at the meeting, alongside members of the local fishing community, citizens, and senior police officials.

Throughout the discussion, citizens emphasized their demands concerning compensation and local employment.

"The citizens called for a higher compensation for the land designated for the Vadhvan Port project and sought assurances of employment for locals," the statement highlighted.

In response, the Deputy District Collector assured that the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), the project's nodal agency, has agreed to prioritize locals for employment. He also promised that their demands would be communicated to the government.

The district administration asserted its commitment to addressing the concerns of the local populace.

The Rs 76,200 crore all-weather greenfield deep draft major port at Vadhvan received approval from the Union Cabinet in 2024. The project is to be executed by Vadhvan Port Project Limited, a special purpose vehicle created by the JNPA and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), with a shareholding ratio of 74 percent and 26 percent, respectively.