MLA Prashant Thakur Demands Halt to Panvel and Uran Land Acquisition
MLA Prashant Thakur has demanded an immediate halt to the compulsory acquisition of agricultural land across Panvel and Uran talukas for the Virar-Alibag Multimodal Corridor, also designated as State Highway Special No. 4. The lawmaker called for all acquisition proceedings to be paused until the state government arrives at a final decision regarding compensation for affected farmers.
In a formal letter addressed to Deputy Collector (Land Acquisition) Janardan Kasar, Thakur urged the local administration not to move forward with any further land acquisition measures. He warned that he would be forced to launch an intense agitation outside the administrative office in defence of the farmers' rights if the acquisition process continues unchecked, adding that the administration would bear responsibility for any resulting fallout.
The land in Panvel and Uran talukas is being acquired to facilitate the development of the Virar-Alibag Multimodal Corridor. Thakur had previously raised the matter with Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, seeking an upward revision in the compensation rates offered to landowners.
Following that demand, a joint meeting involving elected representatives and state officials took place on July 8, 2026, during the monsoon legislative session. During the discussions, the state government gave assurances that affected landholders would not receive compensation below the previously determined rates and that required administrative actions would be executed at the government level.
Thakur, however, voiced deep dissatisfaction upon learning that compulsory acquisition steps were still being actively pursued on the ground despite the assurances given during the meeting.
Emphasising the impact on rural households, Thakur stated that farmland serves as a primary source of livelihood and long-term financial security for local families. He noted that moving forward with compulsory takeovers without taking farmers into confidence or finalising compensation packages has triggered substantial confusion, anxiety, and resentment across the impacted communities.
Thakur requested the Deputy Collector to promptly escalate the matter to higher authorities to ensure the government's previous assurances are properly enforced before any further acquisition steps are carried out.
