Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has granted Adani Cementation Limited approval to construct a jetty and conveyor corridor near Alibag, Maharashtra, despite environmental concerns. The Rs.172-crore project aims to enhance cement transportation via waterways, potentially reducing road congestion and carbon emissions. However, it involves the removal of 158 mangrove trees, raising ecological apprehensions. The court emphasized the need for stringent environmental safeguards to mitigate potential ecological damage.
The Bombay High Court has granted Adani Cementation Limited the green light to proceed with the construction of a jetty and conveyor corridor near Alibag, Maharashtra. This decision comes amidst significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding the impact on local mangrove ecosystems.
Project Overview
Adani Cementation Limited proposes a Rs.172-crore project along the banks of the Amba River in the villages of Shahbaj and Shahpur, near Alibag in Raigad district. The development includes the construction of a jetty, a conveyor corridor, and an approach road. Designed to handle 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of materials such as cement, fly ash, slag, clinker, coal, and alternative fuels, the project aims to streamline the transportation of these materials via waterways.
Environmental Concerns
Environmental activists have raised alarms over the project’s potential ecological impact, particularly its effect on mangrove forests. The development site falls within a mangrove reserve forest and necessitates the felling of 158 mangrove trees. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, acting as natural barriers against erosion and supporting biodiversity. The loss of these trees could have far-reaching environmental consequences.
Court Proceedings and Decision
The Bombay High Court demanded justification for ecological costs, emphasizing safeguards despite economic benefits, while Adani Cementation highlighted reduced emissions and congestion. The judges underscored the principle of sustainable development, which seeks to balance economic growth with environmental preservation. Consequently, the court granted approval for the project, conditional upon the implementation of comprehensive environmental protection measures.
Mitigation Measures
Adani Cementation Limited has committed to several mitigation strategies to address environmental concerns:
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Compensatory Afforestation: The company plans to undertake compensatory afforestation by planting ten times the number of mangroves that will be felled. This initiative aims to restore and enhance the mangrove ecosystem affected by the project.
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Environmental Compliance: Adani Cementation has assured adherence to all environmental regulations and guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). This includes continuous monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance.
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Technological Measures: The project will incorporate advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact during both construction and operational phases. This includes measures to control pollution, manage waste effectively, and protect surrounding habitats.
Public and Environmental Advocacy
Despite these assurances, environmental groups and local communities remain concerned about the potential long-term impacts on the mangrove ecosystem. Advocates stress mangrove preservation, citing biodiversity loss and disaster risks, urging stronger environmental assessments and public consultations before project approval.
The approval of Adani Cementation Limited’s jetty project near Alibag highlights the complex interplay between economic development and environmental conservation. While the project promises infrastructural and economic benefits, it also poses significant ecological challenges. Strict environmental safeguards, community engagement, monitoring, and transparency are key to ensuring sustainability and public trust in the project.
