NGT approves JNPA Port Expansion at Nhava Sheva

Padmesh Prabhune

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has given a green signal to JNPA for expansion of its fourth container terminal at Nhava Sheva in its hearing last week.

The Fourth Container Terminal is being developed in two phases of which Phase-I is operational and Phase-II is expected to be fully operational by 2022-2023 with a quay length of 2,000 metres, adding an annual capacity of 4.8 million TEUs.

Dismissing the pleas by Uran locals challenging the environmental clearance granted to JNPA for its port expansion, the NGT noted: “It is apparent from the affidavit of (JNPA) that the area of the project in question, which was being found to touch CRZ-IA area, was a small area, and has been excluded from the final layout, therefore now to say that any part of the project in question is falling in CRZ-IA area is not correct.”

The locals allege reclamation of 110 hectares of fertile intertidal commons — frequented by locals from Mora Gaon, Gavan Koliwada, Belpada Gaon, Uran Koliwada and Hanuman Koliwada among others — began on April 17, 2022. The area in question falls under CRZ-1A classification, as per the now superseded CRZ Notification, 2011, but is shown as CRZ-IV in maps updated after the CRZ Notification was amended in 2019, a move that locals vehemently maintain is erroneous in nature.

While the locals now plan to approach the Supreme Court for action against both JNPA and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) the email to JNPA remains unanswered. However those aware about the case on the condition of anonymity noted that it is advisable that people think logically and (should) look in to the larger interest of the society. The government shall always work for the betterment and any improvement in infra would definitely bring in larger employment.

Marex Media