Palghar (पालघर) is a district in northern Maharashtra, bordering Gujarat and the Arabian Sea. Created in 2014 from Thane district, it includes coastal settlements, agricultural areas, forested hills and the urban belt of Vasai-Virar. It is known for Warli art, fishing communities and its mix of rural and industrial landscapes.
The population includes Adivasi communities, coastal fishing families and residents who commute within the Mumbai metropolitan region. Marathi is widely spoken, alongside tribal languages and other regional languages. Farming, fishing, manufacturing and services support livelihoods. Notable places include Vasai Fort, coastal beaches and the religious centre of Vajreshwari. Dahanu is associated with chikoo cultivation, while Boisar-Tarapur is an important industrial area.
Common civic concerns include reliable water supply, roads, public transport, healthcare and education, particularly in remote villages. Residents also focus on tribal land and forest rights, industrial pollution, coastal livelihoods, waste management and infrastructure needs in rapidly growing urban areas.