Concerns Over Environmental Impact of Vadhvan Port Construction in Maharashtra

The construction of the Greenfield Vadhvan port along the Palghar coast will involve reclaiming 3,500 acres of land from the sea, with sand being dredged from 50 km away in Daman. This method of sourcing sand has raised concerns among local activists, fishing communities, and sea ecology experts, who fear negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. Despite cost efficiency and minimal environmental effects touted by the Vadhvan Port Project LTD, critics warn of potential harm to the sea ecosystems of both Palghar and Daman coastlines.

Marine biologists highlight the significant ecological damage that could result from the extraction of large quantities of sand from the sea, which weighs between 1,420 kg and 1,920 kg per cubic meter. The sheer volume of sand required for the port reclamation project, equivalent to the size of an Aarey milk colony, raises alarm about potential changes to water currents in the region. Meanwhile, fishing representatives across seven coastal districts of Maharashtra call for transparent satellite surveys to be conducted before making decisions on sand dredging to ensure the protection of marine habitats.

Furthermore, concerns are raised about the displacement of over 20,800 fishing families due to the port development, with potential contamination from shipping traffic posing additional risks to the area. The environmental and social implications of the Vadhvan port project have been highlighted by maritime news platforms, underscoring the need for careful consideration of the project’s impact on both the environment and local communities.

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