Supreme Court Calls for Environmental Review of Vadhavan Port Project in Maharashtra

The Supreme Court has requested that the Union government appoint an independent expert agency to evaluate the potential environmental impact of a multi-billion rupee port project in Palghar district, Maharashtra. Judges Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan made this preliminary ruling after hearing a plea from the National Fishworkers Forum opposing the project on environmental and livelihood grounds. The court noted that the government had not adequately planned for the project at that time.

Representing the Union government and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Attorney General R. Venkataramani argued that the authorities should be consulted before any orders are issued that could halt the project. Despite having undergone expert assessments and obtaining necessary permits, the court underscored the importance of environmental protection.

The Vadhavan Port Project received Cabinet approval in June 2024 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2024. A joint venture between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, the port is expected to be operational in five years. It is strategically located to enhance India’s trade connectivity with Central Asia and Russia through established transport corridors.

In light of these developments, the Supreme Court emphasized the need for an independent environmental assessment of the Vadhavan port project.

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