Environment Ministry greenlights Dighi Port Industrial Area

The Dighi Port Industrial Area (DPIA) project, spread over 5,024 hectare in Raigad district, is set to get the green light from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC). A proposal by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has been recommended for environmental clearance by MoEFCC's expert appraisal committee for a coastal regulation zone, ports, and national highways. Earlier this year, Dighi Port authority had sought the Centre's permission to reclaim an additional 304 hectare from the adjoining Arabian Sea and Rajapuri creek to expand its operations. On September 16, while recommending for environmental clearance, the ministry also granted terms of reference to the port's expansion proposal. Now, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study will be carried out and based on the report, the nod may be given. The Rs 73.6 billion DPIA project is expected to be developed alongside the port expansion, and will be a major node of the proposed Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). At least 4,500 trees will be felled and 15 villages will be affected for the project, as per the EIA report. About 88 per cent of the land acquisition has been completed as of July.