PALGHAR

Palghar district is home to a well-developed Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and three government cooperative industrial colonies. These include the Palghar Taluka Cooperative Limited Industrial Colony in Palghar, the Vasai Taluka Cooperative Limited Industrial Colony in Vasai, and the Priyadarshini Cooperative Limited Industrial Colony in Wada. The district boasts a significant industrial presence, with 5,757 small registered industries, 1,883 temporary small registered industries, and 427 large and medium enterprises.

Agriculture is a major part of Palghar’s economy. Locals say paddy is the main crop, along with millet, black gram, soybean, and horticultural produce like mangoes and cashews. Dahanu is known for chickoo production. Proximity to Mumbai makes Palghar a key supplier of fresh produce.

Fishing supports many livelihoods along the 85 km coastline. Major ports include Satpati, Dahanu, and Arnala. Government projects aim to modernize infrastructure, and the upcoming Vadhvan Port is expected to improve exports.

Palghar’s manufacturing sector, centered in Boisar MIDC, includes textiles, chemicals, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Locals say industries here provide affordable medicines and vaccines globally. Strategic location, government incentives, and resource availability continue to attract industries.

Several influential families have played a key role in Palghar's economic, political, and social development. Contributing to agriculture, fisheries, local governance, and traditional arts, these families have left a lasting impact on the district. Among them are the Maukne, Pagdhare, Thakur, More, and various Koli families.

The industrial sector in Palghar district, Maharashtra, has raised significant environmental concerns due to its concentration of highly polluting industries. According to a report by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Palghar has become a hub for industries categorized as "red" by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, indicating high levels of pollution. Out of 7,418 classified industries in the district, approximately 32% or 2,384 units fall into this category, with Palghar alone accounting for 754 such industrial units.

One of the major environmental issues is the frequent leakage of the effluent pipeline from the Tarapur MIDC. These leaks can cause industries to shut down for days, exacerbating pollution problems. The effluent discharged from this pipeline contains pharmaceutical waste, which poses a greater environmental threat compared to textile waste. Satellite imagery has revealed a large black plume of wastewater extending from Navapur to Murbe along the Palghar coast, indicating widespread contamination.

Additionally, the five rivers in the district, which serve as essential sources of water supply for local communities, are increasingly threatened by pollution from industrial activities.

Residents of Palghar district take pride in their fishing, farming, and handicrafts industries, as well as the Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant, which they consider a significant landmark. According to locals, migration patterns have changed over time, with laborers from northern states settling in Vasai Taluka due to affordable housing, especially as rising real estate costs push workers away from Mumbai. While farming remains a primary occupation for many local families, industries such as MIDC and power plants primarily employ migrants.

Locals say that in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in startups, particularly in the food sector, including cafes, fish packaging businesses, and farm resorts. These ventures are attracting interest from Mumbai residents looking for unique dining experiences and peaceful retreats. Many believe this shift reflects a growing preference for self-employment and tourism-related businesses, contributing to the district’s evolving economic landscape.