India, Oct. 31 -- Villagers staged an agitation in Varor in Palghar district on Friday, as part of a series of protests against the Vadhavan port being developed near Dahanu. The deep-sea port is being built as an artificial offshore island but tribals, farmers and the fishing community say it will destroy local marine biodiversity, traditional fishing livelihoods and coastal ecology.

Friday's protest was supported by the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and CPM. Devendra Tandel, a leader of the fishing community, said villagers have decided to take a more aggressive stand against the port.

Maharashtra Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal said the project is not in Maharashtra's interests as it threatens the livelihoods of local residents, ...