JSW Dharamtar Port Expansion Stalled by Pollution Concerns

Environmental concerns have been raised at JSW Dharamtar Port following a site inspection of its jetty facility on Dharamtar Creek in Raigad district, Maharashtra, according to official observations.

The inspection found that mangroves in the vicinity were coated with coal and iron ore dust, along with instances of wastewater discharge into the surrounding ecosystem. The committee also warned that coal spillage during cargo handling operations linked to the nearby JSW Dolvi Steel Plant could increase turbidity in the creek’s waters.

The visit was conducted ahead of a recommendation by an expert panel to grant environmental clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval for expanding the port’s cargo handling capacity from 33.95 million tonnes per annum to 54 million tonnes per annum.

According to the sub-committee’s report, coal dust generated during material transfer between the port and the steel plant is adversely affecting mangrove vegetation along the creek. Although the JSW Foundation has undertaken a mangrove restoration initiative in Dolvi since 2016—planting 2.5 million saplings with an 85% survival rate—the report notes that existing mangroves near the port remain significantly impacted by dust deposition.

While some mitigation measures, such as tree plantation buffers between the jetty and mangrove areas, have been implemented, the committee observed that these appear insufficient to prevent dust accumulation.

The report also highlighted coal spillage and wastewater discharge into mangrove zones between the jetty and the land-side port area, warning that such activities could lead to increased riverbed sedimentation and long-term ecological damage.

Additionally, the committee noted that mangroves on the northern side of the jetty remain relatively healthy but could be adversely affected by increased cargo handling, even if operations are mechanised as proposed. It recommended constructing a minimum 15-foot-high barrier to separate port activities from mangrove areas, along with the preparation of a dedicated conservation plan for the northern stretch.

Minutes of the expert appraisal committee meeting recorded that JSW Dharamtar Port acknowledged the findings and agreed to implement the recommended mitigation measures.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.