Vasai Loan Waiver Protest: Shocking Highway Blockade Disrupts Traffic for 1 Hour
Vasai witnessed a dramatic loan waiver protest on Thursday as members of the Prahar Janshakti Party, along with local farmers and fishermen, blocked the Mumbai–Ahmedabad National Highway, demanding immediate financial relief.
Protestors Demand Loan Waiver and Clear Land Records
Raising their voices against what they described as years of government inaction, the protestors called for a complete agricultural loan waiver and the issuance of unencumbered “Satbara” (7/12 extract) land records. The “Satbara” document is critical for farmers to prove land ownership and access credit or subsidies.
This protest was part of a growing wave of rural unrest across Maharashtra, with farmers pushing back against delayed support and growing debt burdens.
Tyres Burned, Highway Blocked
To draw attention to their demands, the protestors burned tyres and physically blocked the highway, resulting in a major traffic jam that lasted for over an hour. Vehicles were stranded in long queues as tempers flared among commuters on the busy route that connects Mumbai to Gujarat.
Local sources reported that the protest began early morning and quickly escalated into a full-scale blockade. The Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway, a lifeline for trade and travel, was brought to a standstill, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
Police Response and Detentions
Police officials arrived at the scene and attempted to negotiate with the agitators. When talks failed to disperse the crowd, the police detained all protestors to restore normal traffic flow. No incidents of violence or injury were reported during the detention process.
A senior officer from the Palghar police department confirmed the detentions and stated that further legal action will be taken based on investigation.
Rural Voices Seeking Justice
The protest in Vasai is part of a larger movement across Maharashtra where farmers are demanding relief from mounting debt and proper recognition of their land rights. Activists argue that without official documentation such as the 7/12 extract, farmers are often left at the mercy of moneylenders or denied government aid.
For many rural families in Palghar district, fishing and farming are the primary sources of livelihood. Inconsistent policy support, extreme weather, and rising operational costs have left them struggling to survive.
Rising Farmer Distress in Maharashtra
According to data from NABARD and other state agencies, loan defaults among farmers have increased in recent years, with many seeking direct intervention from the state government.
Experts warn that unless policies are realigned with on-ground realities, more such protests could erupt in other semi-urban areas like Vasai, Nalasopara, and Virar, where agriculture still plays a vital role.
