Maharashtra seeks flexibility on use of waterways

Central govt has right to declare any waterway as a national waterway

The government of Maharashtra has asked the Union ministry of shipping that a particular waterway, channel or creek not be assigned for only a particular activity, and that state maritime boards be allowed to choose the activity, based on their need.

The issue came up in the case of JSW Dharamtar Port Pvt Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle to handle the proposed export-import cargo of JSW Steel's Dolvi works. The company is a major user of the Dharamtar creek and brings shipments on the mouth of the waterway. The plant produces 3.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of steel and generates