Boisar MIDC Becomes Flashpoint as Villagers Protest Murbe Port Project
Palghar, Maharashtra: Boisar MIDC turned into a flashpoint on Saturday as angry villagers from Murbe and nearby fishing hamlets gathered outside the Jindal company gates, demanding that the upcoming public hearing on the Murbe Port project be scrapped. Holding black flags, women, fishermen, and sarpanches raised thunderous slogans — “Ek do ek do, Jindal Bandar fek do” — before setting fire to the port’s concept drawings. Some protesters even created a rangoli from the ashes, calling it the “end of the port dream.”
Locals Slam EIA Report, Cite Environmental Violations
The project, slated to be executed by JSW Infrastructure, is facing mounting resistance from local communities. Villagers allege that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report—spanning over 1,300 pages—is riddled with loopholes. They argue that no proper studies regarding the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs), or other environmental safeguards were conducted. This lack of transparency has left them unable to raise informed objections during the upcoming public hearing.
Project Expansion Sparks Outrage
Originally designed for just three berths, the Murbe Port project has now expanded dramatically to 16 berths, with costs surging from ₹4,800 crore in October 2024 to nearly ₹19,000 crore. Locals allege that the government is misleading citizens to push through a project that would displace fishing communities and devastate the fragile coastline.
According to the proposed plans, 1,065 acres will be reclaimed, and a 10-kilometre breakwater wall will stretch from Morve to Satpati. “If seawalls stretch from Morve to Satpati, where will the water go? Into our villages!” shouted one protester.
Villagers Unite Under Virodhi Samiti Banner
The agitation is being led by the Murbe Jindal Bandar Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti, with president Monalisa Tare, secretary Pramod Arekar, treasurer Sachin Patil, and sarpanches from Murbe, Nandgaon, Kumbhavli, Alewadi, Nawapur, and Satpati at the forefront. Farmers, fishing society leaders, and several political representatives have joined the protest.
Villagers had earlier requested the district administration to postpone the public hearing, but receiving no response, the protests intensified. “We will not allow this port to come up. If the administration ignores us, our agitation will only get stronger,” warned the Samiti leaders.
Company and Government Assure Safeguards
Despite rising opposition, JSW Infrastructure and the Maharashtra Maritime Board maintain that environmental safeguards and social measures are integral parts of the project. The plan includes mangrove and coastal conservation efforts, a 123-hectare greenbelt, and dedicated provisions for traditional fishing activities.
The port is expected to generate approximately 2,000 construction jobs and 2,500 operational jobs, boosting trade across Palghar, Thane, Tarapur, and Vapi. A total of ₹50 crore has been earmarked for community benefits covering healthcare, education, infrastructure, skill development, environmental conservation, and sports facilities.
Public Hearing to Proceed Amid Heightened Tensions
The public hearing, scheduled for October 6, will take place amid heightened tensions. Locals have vowed to escalate protests if authorities continue to ignore the concerns of coastal residents. Environmental activists and the company representatives are expected to present their cases during the session.