Green panel defers decision on Mumbai Port Trust's proposal

The Centre's green panel has deferred a decision on granting environment clearance to the Mumbai Port Trust for construction of fifth oil berth at Jawahar Dweep.
Keeping in view the limited life of the existing fourth oil berth and no other berths can cater to large vessels, Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) has proposed construction of fifth oil berth catering to the fully laden Suez Max Vessels and Light drafted VLCC with sharing of cost of construction by oil PSUs.
"In last month's meeting, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) noted this is a replacement project where the Berth no. 4 would be discontinued for use and a new Berth, designated as Berth no. 5 shall be established. No decommissioning of birth no. 4 is proposed and no dismantling or demolition of any structure is proposed," as per the minutes of the EAC meeting.

MPT was advised that if any demolition works in berth no. 4 are proposed, a separate Environmental Clearance should be applied for, it said.
After the detailed deliberation, the EAC deferred the decision on the proposal and sought more information.
The company has been asked to specify as to where does the project site fall, as regards to the coastal regulation zones, as certified in the report submitted to this effect.
MPT has been asked to submit the mangroves conservation plan and specify dredging quantity among others.