National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) appointed for the Environmental Evaluation of Vadhvan Port Project
MUMBAI : Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL), the 13th major port of India, in compliance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s Order dated 28.02.2025, has received approval from the Competent Authority for engagement of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur. NEERI will conduct an evaluation of the environmental impact of the Vadhvan Port project to assist the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, as per the prescribed Terms of Reference.
(i) To study the reports of various lnstitution/Experts etc. conducted as part of Terms of Reference (TOR) given by Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) and also as per the directions of Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) for grant of NOC for the Vadhvan Port and submit its observations/report on the issues/ contentions about environmental impact raised by Petitioners regarding the construction of the Port in light of the above studies
(ii) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) and Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) has set up monitoring body to oversee the Port Project. Are these arrangements sufficient to monitor environmental impact of project or something more required to be done?
Expressing his thoughts about this development in VPPL, Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA and CMD, VPPL, stated, “At Vadhvan Port Project Ltd., we are committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility and transparency. The engagement of NEERI, as approved in compliance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directive, marks a constructive step toward a thorough and independent assessment of the project’s environmental impact. We remain fully aligned with the due process and are confident that this evaluation will provide valuable guidance as we move forward.”
NEERI shall submit its report within 30 days from the date of issuance of this O.M. The report shall be submitted through the Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways to the Competent Authority. VPPL remains committed to following due process and working in line with all statutory requirements.
About VPPL:
Vadhvan Port Private Limited (VPPL) is the 13th major port of India, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). Strategically located in Palghar district, near Dahanu, Maharashtra, VPPL is poised to be among the top 10 ports globally. The foundation stone for the port was laid on August 30th, 2024, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
Committed to sustainability, VPPL will be 100% green from inception, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The port is set to enhance trade efficiency with the capacity to handle 24 million TEUs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to regional development. Through initiatives like the Vadhvan Port Skilling Program, VPPL focuses on empowering local communities.