Drone Survey Completed for Vadhvan Port Project Amid Local Concerns in Maharashtra

The drone survey for the Vadhan Port project in Maharashtra's Palghar district has been finalised, officials announced. This project, located in Dahanu taluka, faced opposition from some villagers who feared it would impact their livelihoods. The survey was conducted by ITDC, as confirmed by district officials.

In a meeting held on Saturday, officials engaged with local representatives to address their concerns. Although the initial protesters were absent, many from the affected coastal villages participated. Their demands include better compensation for land acquisition for the Vadhvan greenfield highway and job opportunities in the port project.

Compensation and Employment Concerns

Villagers are also seeking compensation and rehabilitation for fishermen who might lose their livelihoods. Deputy Collector Mahesh Sagar stated that JNPT Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust has agreed to prioritise local residents for employment opportunities within the project.

The district administration is working on a comprehensive compensation policy for fishermen. Officials emphasised their commitment to inclusive development and sensitivity to public sentiment.

Project Details and Approval

The Union Cabinet approved the Rs 76,200 crore all-weather greenfield deep draft major port at Vadhvan in 2024. The project will be executed by Vadhvan Port Project Limited, a special purpose vehicle formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), holding 74% and 26% shares respectively.

Officials reiterated that the government is committed to addressing public concerns while ensuring development progresses smoothly. They aim to balance economic growth with community welfare through this significant infrastructure initiative.

With inputs from PTI