New Delhi, Feb 28: The Supreme Court on Friday urged the Centre to consider appointing an expert body to assess the potential environmental damage posed by the upcoming Vadhavan port in Maharashtra. The directive came while hearing a petition challenging the approval granted to the project.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan reviewed a status report submitted by Attorney General R Venkataramani, which indicated that no major construction activity was scheduled at the moment. According to the report, the project is currently in the land acquisition phase, with physical possession expected by October 2025. Additionally, the commencement of road work is also planned for the same period.
Status of Project Development
The bench noted that reclamation surveys for the project are slated to begin in July 2025, while construction activities near the shore will commence only after land acquisition is finalized. The court took the submissions on record and clarified that the acquisition process would remain subject to further judicial orders."We make it clear that land acquisition will be subject to further orders which may be passed in this special leave petition. In view of this, we are not considering the prayer for grant of interim relief," the bench stated.
The case is set for the next hearing on May 6, with the court permitting the Centre to approach it earlier for necessary directions if required.
Environmental Challenge and Legal Battle
The Supreme Court was hearing an appeal filed by the National Fishworkers Forum and Conservation Action Trustagainst a Bombay High Court order that had dismissed their plea. The petitioners have opposed the no-objection certificate (NOC) granted by the Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority for the port’s construction.On July 31, 2023, the Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority had granted clearance to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for the development of the greenfield port at Vadhavan.
Project Details and Government Approval
In June 2023, the Centre approved the construction of the ₹76,200 crore all-weather deep draft major port at Vadhavan. The project is being undertaken by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) (74% stake) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) (26% stake).With growing concerns over the port’s environmental impact, the Supreme Court’s suggestion for an expert review could play a crucial role in shaping the project’s future while addressing sustainability issues.
