India Grants Offshore Sand License for Vadhavan Port
In a significant development for India’s maritime infrastructure, Union Minister of Mines and Coal, G. Kishan Reddy, alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, presented a Letter of Intent (LoI) for a Composite license concerning offshore construction sand. This initiative, announced in Mumbai, aims to support the reclamation and development of the Greenfield Port at Vadhavan, located in Palghar, Maharashtra. The offshore sand block, situated approximately 50 kilometers from the port site, will play a crucial role in meeting the substantial sand requirements for this ambitious project.
Details of the Offshore Sand Block
The offshore construction sand block is expected to provide around 200 million cubic meters of sand necessary for the reclamation efforts at Vadhavan Port. This major port project, with an estimated cost of ₹76,220 crore, is designed to handle a cumulative capacity of 298 million metric tons annually. It will include nine container terminals, each measuring 1,000 meters in length, and four multipurpose berths. The Jawaharlal Nehru Ports Authority (JNPA), recognized as one of India’s leading port authorities, is spearheading this initiative, which is poised to enhance the nation’s trade and logistics capabilities significantly.
First of Its Kind in India
This allocation marks a historic first for India, as it is the inaugural instance of a mineral block being designated for exploration and production in offshore areas. The Parliament amended the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 2002, in August 2023, allowing for the reservation of mineral blocks for government entities. Following this amendment, the Ministry of Mines reserved the offshore area for the Central Government’s purposes, paving the way for the issuance of the LoI to JNPA.
Environmental Considerations and Future Prospects
The identification of the offshore block was conducted through consultations with relevant ministries and departments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to offshore mineral development. The LoI granted to JNPA signifies a commitment to responsible and efficient practices in mineral extraction. The project is anticipated to reduce reliance on land-based sand sources, fostering local employment and supporting the government’s vision for a developed India by 2047.
JNPA plans to utilize advanced dredging technology to minimize disruptions to marine biodiversity and adhere to stringent environmental standards. The authority is committed to following the Harit Sagar Guidelines and Maritime India Vision 2030, ensuring sustainable practices in land reclamation and ecological balance. This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to fostering economic growth that is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable, unlocking the potential of India’s maritime economy and offshore resources.
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