Environmental Clearance Obtained, Vadhavan Port Awaits Cabinet Nod To Begin Construction
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has successfully obtained environmental clearance (EC) for the proposed Vadhavan Port in Dahanu taluka of Palghar district, marking a significant step forward in the project's development. However, while authorities were preparing to commence construction with a bhoomipujan ceremony, they now await clearance from the central cabinet, a process expected to be delayed until after the general elections.
A senior JNPA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the receipt of the EC, stating, "We are awaiting clearance from the central cabinet to initiate construction. However, with the announcement of general elections and the imposition of the model code of conduct, we must wait until the formation of the next government to proceed."
The EC was granted following a meeting held on 6 February 2024, attended by officials from the ministry, members of the Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC), and representatives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), as well as JNPA. The clearance was officially received on 16 February 2024.
Earlier, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) approved the port's development, a significant milestone achieved after addressing concerns raised by local residents, primarily from the fishing community, during hearings conducted by the EAC.
JNPA has identified a sand borrow pit in the Arabian Sea, located approximately 50-60 km from the proposed Vadhavan Port and about 50 km from the Daman Coast, to obtain 200 million CuM of sand through dredging for land creation at the port.
Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 20,000 crore, JNPA has partnered with global logistics operator DP World for the development of Vadhavan Port. The port's infrastructure will enable it to handle nearly 24 million TEUs, positioning it among the top 10 ports globally.
The Vadhavan Port project, jointly undertaken by JNPA and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), will be implemented on the Landlord Port concept, with respective shareholdings of 74 per cent and 26 per cent.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in 2015 between JNPA, MMB, and the Government of Maharashtra to establish the major port under the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
Despite securing environmental clearance, the project's progression hinges on cabinet approval, delaying construction until post-election deliberations.
