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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to perform the Bhoomi Pujan for the much-anticipated Rs 76,000 crore Vadhavan Port today. Once completed, it is expected to become India’s largest container port, located in Palghar district, Maharashtra.
Key Highlights of the Project
- Port Location and Significance: Vadhavan Port will be situated around 130 km north of Mumbai, near Dahanu on Maharashtra’s west coast. It will be India’s 13th major port and aims to handle 298 million tonnes of cargo annually.
- Strategic Importance: The port will play a crucial role in India’s maritime trade, with proximity to Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Central India, positioning it as a key player in international trade routes like the International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
- Phase-wise Completion: The port is expected to be completed in two phases—Phase 1 by 2029 and Phase 2 by 2039. Once fully operational, it will generate employment for approximately 12 lakh people.
Environmental Concerns and Local Protests
Despite the expected economic benefits, the project has sparked protests from local villagers and fishermen, led by the Vadhavan Bandar Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti (VBVSS). Concerns include:
- Environmental Impact: Activists argue that the port will disrupt local ecosystems and livelihoods, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.
- Threats to Livelihoods: The construction could affect coastal tourism and fishing communities in villages like Vadhavan, Parnaka, and Narpad.
- Protest Actions: Local communities have protested by blocking highways, sitting on hunger strikes, and raising awareness about the potential harm to their environment and way of life.
Political Context and Historical Background
- Political Flashpoint: The Vadhavan Port project became a political issue when Uddhav Thackeray pledged to cancel it if elected. However, his party lost the Palghar Lok Sabha seat to the BJP in 2024.
- Project Revival: Originally proposed in 1997, the project was shelved due to protests but was revived in 2015 under the Modi government’s “Sagarmala Programme.”
Infrastructure and Capacity
- Deep Draft and Cargo Handling: Vadhavan Port will have a deep draft of 20 meters, compared to Jawaharlal Nehru Port’s 15.5 meters. This will allow the handling of larger ships, boosting cargo capacity.
- Facilities and Berths: The port will feature multiple berths for liquid bulk, RO-RO operations, and container storage, along with a dedicated railway terminal and a Coast Guard berth.
The Future of the Port and Its Economic Impact
- Economic Growth: As part of the PM Gati Shakti programme, the Vadhavan Port is expected to boost India’s economy by improving trade infrastructure and creating new job opportunities.
- International Trade: The port will facilitate the movement of goods across global trade routes, positioning India as a significant player in international shipping.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the expected cargo capacity of Vadhavan Port once operational?
a) 100 million tonnes
b) 150 million tonnes
c) 298 million tonnes
d) 500 million tonnes
Answer: c) 298 million tonnes
2. What is the main environmental concern raised by protesters regarding the Vadhavan Port?
a) Air pollution
b) Harm to the local ecosystem and livelihoods
c) Traffic congestion
d) Noise pollution
Answer: b) Harm to the local ecosystem and livelihoods
3. When is the first phase of Vadhavan Port expected to be completed?
a) 2025
b) 2027
c) 2029
d) 2030
Answer: c) 2029
4. Which program is Vadhavan Port a part of?
a) Make in India
b) Sagarmala Programme
c) Smart Cities Mission
d) Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana
Answer: b) Sagarmala Programme
5. How deep is the draft of Vadhavan Port?
a) 10 meters
b) 15.5 meters
c) 20 meters
d) 25 meters
Answer: c) 20 meters