Thousands gathered outside the Palghar Collector office in Maharashtra to protest for land rights and against smart meters. Draupadi Bhuyal, 50, shared, “I hope my grandchildren don’t have to put up a fight against the government.” She and others want ownership of their land, used by their families for generations. They also want the smart meter scheme cancelled and the Vadhavan port project stopped. About 30,000 protesters joined the “long march” from Charoti to Palghar, covering around 60 km on foot from January 19 to 20, 2026. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) led the protest demanding full implementation of the Forest Rights Act, PESA act, revival of the Jal Jeevan Mission, and government job appointments. “This struggle is age-old, starting from bonded labour to now working for long pending issue of land ownership transfer,” said CPI(M) women wing State secretary Prachi Hatiwlekar. Farmers like Surekha Danane from Wada complained about owning only one gunta of land instead of five. Many fear eviction and helplessness without legal land ownership. The smart meters, introduced by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited in 2021, have caused huge electricity bills. Nutan from Charoti said, “I own one room hut with one fan, one bulb outside and one inside, should I get a bill of ₹5,000 monthly?” Protestors demand removal of smart meters and reinstatement of old ones. Former village sarpanch Gulab Wadia added, “There are people who have also received bills of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. Is it possible for an economically weaker family to use this much electricity?” Protestors vowed not to leave until their demands are met. This protest highlights deep unrest among tribal communities over land rights, large projects, and welfare changes in Palghar district.