MoEF clearance with a rider may delay VPT expansion

July 11, 2016 12:00 am | Updated 05:48 am IST - VISAKHAPATNAM:

The conditions laid down while according clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change for the modernisation of the existing one and addition of new facilities enhancing the capacity at the Visakhapatnam port may delay the completion of the expansion project.

Once completed, the port’s cargo handling capacity will increase to 125.59 million tonne from 88.10 million tonne. The public hearing for the expansion was held on April 10, 2015.

The project includes upgrading existing facility and creation of a new facility at VPT for iron ore handling on DBFOT basis at Ore Handling Complex and WQ-1 by providing closed conveyor with built-in dust suppression system and to replace the ship loader so as to improve the handling efficiency resulting in modernised equipment for dust control and transfer points.

Development of WQ North (WQ-7 and WQ-8) berth with mechanised handling for bulk cargo on DBFOT basis and extension of container terminal in the Outer Harbour on DBFOT are also form part of the expansion project. It was specified at the time of public hearing that the quantity of capital dredging will be 9.66 lakh cubic metres. The projects for expansion and dredging envisage an investment of around Rs.2,500 crore.

Conditions

According to MoEF, the environment clearance is subject to obtaining prior clearance from wildlife angle including clearance from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife as applicable.

It said the construction activity shall be carried out strictly according to the provisions of CRZ Notification, 2011. The project proponent shall ensure that there shall be no damage to the existing mangrove patches near the site and also ensure the free flow of water to avoid damage to mangroves.

MoEF stated that the project proponent would ensure that no creeks or rivers are blocked due to any activities at the project site. Shoreline should not be disturbed due to dumping for which it recommended periodical study on shoreline changes.

It said the commitments made during the public hearing and recorded in the minutes shall be complied with in letter and spirit. The management had committed spending Rs.200 crore to make VPT a green port by removing ‘dirty’ port tag within five years.

“After getting Consent to Establish from AP Pollution Control Board and Letter of Concession from VPT, the work should be completed within two years. But going by the conditions, to get these two, it will take more time delaying completion of the expansion projects,” an official seeking anonymity told The Hindu.

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