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

Resources

26 Jun 2026

G R Infraprojects Founder Vinod Agarwal Passes Away

Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Founder and Promoter of G R Infraprojects, has passed away. He had been associated with the company since its inception in 1995. His vision, determination and entrepreneurial acumen laid the foundation for the company and helped shape its growth into a leading name in India’s infrastructure sector.Agarwal served as Managing Director from 2008 to 2021 and later as Chairman and Whole-time Director from 2021 to 2025. He stepped down from the office of Director on 10 November 2025. During his leadership tenure, the company moved through significant phases of growth, operatio..

Centre Prioritising Energy Security With Coal Gasification

Union minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Centre is prioritising energy security through a strategic shift to coal gasification and has announced incentives totalling Rs 460 billion (bn) to support the effort. He said more than 35 companies will start coal gasification activities in India within two months and that the government is encouraging firms that bring technology to close the domestic technology gap. The minister described the initiative as aimed at reducing import dependence and developing indigenous capacity. India has the fifth-largest coal reserve in the world, and..

BHEL and Coal India Invest Rs 250 bn in Odisha Gasification

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Coal India (CIL) are jointly investing Rs 250 billion in a coal gasification project in Odisha, with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone in Jharsuguda. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy described the initiative as a transformative shift in coal utilisation that will open industrial avenues for the state. The project moves coal beyond conventional power generation to industrial feedstocks. Coal gasification will convert coal into synthesis gas, a versatile feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers and synthetic fuels, and the technology is ex..