GoM Formed to Review Vadhvan Port Project’s Environmental Impact

09 May 2025 CW Team

The Union government has established a three-member Group of Ministers (GoM) to evaluate the environmental effects of the Rs 76.22 Bn Vadhvan Port project in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. Headed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the GoM also includes Sarbananda Sonowal and Bhupender Yadav, who leads the Ministries of Ports and Environment respectively.

The GoM will analyse the environmental impact assessment presented by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), an expert body. It is also authorised to consult additional experts and refer matters for further technical opinions before submitting recommendations.

This initiative follows the Supreme Court’s directive in a hearing on February 28 regarding several petitions filed by the National Fishworkers Forum and environmental groups challenging the project's clearance. The apex court clarified that all related activities, including land acquisition, are subject to future judicial orders.

NEERI has been tasked with assessing expert reports as per the terms set by the Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee. Its findings will be submitted through the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

The GoM’s recommendations will influence whether environmental clearance for the project is upheld or reconsidered.

Source:Maritime News

Equipment

03 Dec 2025

ABB India Unveils ACS380-E Drive for High-Performance Automation

ABB India has launched the ACS380-E drive, a next-generation machinery drive designed for automation-centric machine building, adding to its all-compatible drive portfolio. The solution simplifies machine integration and is future-proofed for industrial automation with advanced connectivity, faster commissioning and built-in cybersecurity capabilities.The ACS380-E features integrated dual Ethernet ports for plug-and-play communication with all major industrial automation networks, eliminating the need for separate modules and reducing installation complexity. The drive also supports fast USB-C..

Cement Makers Positive on H2 Demand Outlook

The leading cement producers have posted high single-digit volume growth and better sales realisation in the July–September quarter, setting a positive tone for the second half of FY26. Companies are upbeat on demand prospects, supported by a strong housing sector and continued government spending on major infrastructure projects. UltraTech, Ambuja Cement, Shree Cement, Dalmia Bharat and Nuvoco Vistas recorded revenue growth of up to 18 per cent in the September quarter. The rise was driven by firm realisations, softer input costs and an increased share of premium products. With coal price..

Odisha Targets Role as MSME Hub for Eastern India

Odisha has set its sights on becoming the MSME gateway of eastern India, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said at the Odisha Industrial Conclave 2025, organised by Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB). Calling the state a land of possibilities, he noted that Odisha has emerged as a leading destination for micro, small and medium enterprises.He said that reforms such as the Go-Swift single-window system now allow project approvals within a day. Odisha has also invested 6.1 per cent of its GDP in infrastructure development, which is expected to further accelerate industrial and MSME growth.Majhi emphasise..