A proposed highway linking Varor village to Tawa village in Palghar district is being planned to ensure faster connectivity to the upcoming Vadhavan Port, but this development comes with major environmental and social costs.
In particular, the project is expected to lead to the cutting of 72,790 treeswhich includes a wide range of vegetation such as forest trees, palm trees, and fruit-bearing varieties.
Highway Project to Vadhavan Port Raises Major Environmental and Social Concerns
Alongside deforestation, the construction will also result in the filling of 21 ponds, as well as the loss of 209 wells and borewells, raising concerns about water resource depletion in the affected areas.
Moreover, infrastructure and housing will be significantly impacted, as a total of 611 structures are set to be demolished to make way for the highway.
The Vadhavan Port, which this highway aims to support, is being jointly developed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, indicating a major infrastructure collaboration.
As the highway cuts across Dahanu and Palghar talukas, it is expected to disrupt more than two dozen villages, affecting both livelihoods and local ecosystems.
Focusing specifically on Palghar taluka, the damage is particularly extensive, with 573 houses and structures scheduled for demolition and over 54,000 trees marked for removal.
Loss of Water Resources in Palghar Intensifies Environmental Concerns
In addition to this, Palghar will also see the disappearance of 20 ponds and 182 borewells, further intensifying environmental concerns in the region.
To address these losses, the state government has allocated ₹197.07 crore as compensation for those affected by the project.
Meanwhile, in Dahanu taluka, the impact is also substantial, as land belonging to 5,214 individuals, covering 244.18 hectares, will be acquired for the highway.
Furthermore, Dahanu will experience the demolition of 38 structures and the removal of more than 18,000 trees as part of the project execution.
Overall, while the highway promises improved connectivity and economic development through better access to the port, it simultaneously raises serious concerns regarding environmental degradation, water loss, and displacement of communities.
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