The proposed multi-cargo captive jetty, to be developed in Nandgaon village in Thane district, is expected to handle 8.4 million tonnes of cargo in next five years and up to 16.7 million tonnes in 10 years.
"Based on the recommendations of an Expert Appraisal Committee, the ministry has given environmental and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance to the proposal 'All weather Greenfield Jetty' at Nandgaon in Thane district by JSW Infrastructure," a senior Environment Ministry official said.
The proposed project would cater to local demands of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the partial demand of the nation as far as the container traffic is concerned at a later date, when the Dedicated Freight Corridor is operational, the official added.
Among specific conditions, the company has been asked to earmark adequate fund for socio-economic development and welfare measures as proposed under the Corporate Social Responsibility Programme on priority.
It has been asked to put in place mechanisms for movement of shipping boats so that fishing activities near the project site and along the creek is not hindered.
As per the proposal, the jetty will be designed to handle panamax-sized vessels in the first phase and cape-size carriers in the final phase.
Six berths for solid cargo such as coal, coking coal, fertiliser cement and clinker, iron and steel containers and liquid cargo handling is proposed during Phase-I, with total continuous quay length of about 1,500 meter. In addition to this, there would be a dedicated berth for coal, LNG and three berths for chemicals and other liquid cargo, it added.