JNPT proceeds in accordance with MoEF’s TOR for Vadhavan port

JNPT is adhering to the compliance of terms of reference issued by MoEF for prior EC clearance for development of Vadhavan Port.
The port is acting in accordance to provide ground reality and take all measures for environmentally sustainable port development with all preventive and mitigative measures for Port services which are in wider interest of the nation and in particular to
the state of Maharashtra. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & CC has approved the TOR for conducting EIA
Study and instructed JNPT to comply with all the conditions under Standard Terms of Reference as a part of environment clearance process which includes public hearing and approval of SCZMA and also emphasized for additional Terms of Reference which
is available on the MoEF&CC website. In compliance with the TOR, JNPT has assigned works to reputed government agencies for conducting multiple technical studies. Likewise, the Central Water Power Research Centre (CPWRS) is directing the
impact of flooding in the creeks and dredging. Similarly, the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa is managing the effect of dredging on the marine ecology, biodiversity impact assessment and by setting up an environmental management Plan.
The studies also include undersea noise on the cretaceans and concentration of carbon in seawater etc. IIT Mumbai is assessing the impact of development due to increase in inhabitation and resolution method for congestion free roads and improvement in artery
road due to Port. Furthermore, the Central Marine & Fisheries Research Institute is conducting area of fishing, loss to fishermen, compensation and an assessment on alternative means for fishermen and rehabilitation due to loss of fishing activities if any.
Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 5th Feb. 2020 granted in principle approval for setting up of proposed Port at Vadhavan in Dahanu, Maharashtra State with an estimated cost of Rs.65,544.54 crores including IDC, GST etc. An investment of
Rs.16,140 crores will be implemented by the SPV in constructing basic infrastructure like breakwaters, rail line/yard and road connectivity, power and water line, internal roads and common amenities. At present JNPT and Maharashtra Maritime Board, Govt
of Maharashtra are development partners for the prospective port with a equity share of 74% and 26% resp. As part of the ongoing order issued by Ministry of Environment, Forest & CC dated 8.6.2020 has recognised, services rendered by Port are not
classified as ‘RED’ category and declared that Port under no circumstances is an industry. Ports provide services to the Exim trade thereby they do not contribute to the pollution in and around the region of Vadhavan. JNPT is committed to preserve, protect
and promote the environment in and around Vadhavan port while implementing as well as operating the project. All environment laws, rules and regulations will be fully regulated with oversight from pollution control board.