Palghar: Thousands in Palghar staged a march to the collector’s office opposing the proposed Vadhavan port and other large-scale development projects in the district on Monday. The Vadhavan Bandar Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti (VBVSS) took out the march to Palghar collector’s office, starting from Panch Batti Chowk. Vaibhav Vaze, secretary, VBVSS, said, “This so-called development will destroy the natural coastline and the livelihoods of thousands of fishing families and it is unacceptable to us. Yesterday’s gathering is a warning to the govt—our struggle will continue until this destructive project is scrapped.” There was another two-day rally with thousands organised by CPI (M) from Charoti to Manor on Monday and Manor to Palghar collector’s office on Tuesday. Vinod Nikole, Dahanu MLA, said the govt should solve forest land issues and smart-meter should not be installed in villages. He said they opposed the port as it would destroy farmers and fishermen, and also fourth Mumbai plans. — Vishal Rajemahadik
