PUNE: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has temporarily halted the implementation of environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances for the Mormugao Port channel-deepening project until November 2, 2026, pending further consideration of the case.
The direction was issued by the NGT’s Western Zone Bench in Pune on September 26 while hearing a challenge filed by Rupesh Shinkre and another appellant against the clearances granted on July 21, 2025.
The case raises concerns over the adequacy of pollution assessments, the environmental impact of large-scale dredging and the relevance of certain conditions attached to the approvals.
The appellants argued that deepening the channel could allow larger vessels to enter the port and facilitate a significant increase in coal-handling capacity at berths 5, 6 and 7, potentially rising from 12 million tonnes to 42.1 million tonnes annually.
The tribunal also examined concerns over coal dust pollution, citing earlier pollution monitoring records and studies relating to particulate matter around the port.
Questions were raised about whether an IIT Bombay study on particulate pollution had been submitted to and considered by the Expert Appraisal Committee. The port trust has been directed to clarify the matter within two weeks.
The tribunal also examined potential environmental risks associated with dredging approximately 15 million cubic metres of material, including possible impacts on marine biodiversity, the seabed, estuary and coastal ecosystems.
Additionally, the bench flagged apparent inconsistencies in certain conditions attached to the environmental and CRZ clearances and sought further clarification from the concerned authorities.
The NGT has directed the parties to submit additional documents and clarifications before the next hearing.
The interim order does not cancel the project clearances permanently. Their implementation remains on hold until the tribunal takes up the matter again on November 2, 2026
