By Abbas Nazil
The proposed Vadhvan Port in Palghar district, Maharashtra, India, has come under intense scrutiny from environmentalists, fishermen, and marine ecology experts, who warn of severe ecological and social consequences.
The ambitious project, requiring the reclamation of 3,500 acres from the sea, involves dredging massive amounts of sand from the seabed near Daman, approximately 50km from the coastline.
While proponents argue that maritime sand mining is more cost-effective and environmentally viable than terrestrial mining, critics contend that the plan poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity, alters water currents, and endangers the livelihoods of thousands of fishing families.
Vadhvan Port Project Ltd, responsible for executing the ₹76,000-crore initiative, asserts that offshore sand dredging will save ₹6,000 crore compared to land-based sand extraction.
The project’s environmental clearance, backed by an IIT-Madras assessment, emphasizes its lower ecological footprint than traditional mining methods.
The Ministry of Mines has allocated 102.8 square meters for dredging, with the total volume of sand extraction expected to be around 2,000 million cubic meters.
However, experts challenge these claims, warning that such large-scale sand removal could destabilize coastal ecosystems, impact sedimentation patterns, and disrupt marine life.
Related Posts
Marine biologists argue that removing such an immense volume of sand—amounting to nearly 30,000 crore tonnes—could significantly alter ocean currents and harm marine biodiversity in both Palghar and Daman.
The region’s coastal environment, comprising marine sand dunes, rocky formations, and unique sediment structures, could suffer irreversible damage.
Environmentalists stress that indiscriminate dredging without comprehensive scientific assessment could lead to habitat destruction, affecting fish breeding grounds and coastal erosion.
Beyond environmental concerns, the project raises serious socio-economic issues. Fishermen from seven coastal districts, including Gorai, Uttan, Vasai, Arnala, Satpati, and Dahanu, express fears of permanent displacement, with over 20,800 families at risk of losing their homes and livelihood.
The proposed one-time compensation of ₹6 lakh per affected family is deemed insufficient given the long-term economic losses.
Fishermen groups argue that the government has failed to conduct transparent public consultations or disclose satellite coastal surveys that assess the long-term impact of sand extraction on soil composition and wave patterns.
With vessel traffic set to increase drastically, experts predict heightened oil contamination, further endangering marine species and water quality.
Fishermen, who rely on the waters around Vadhvan for their livelihood, foresee declining fish populations due to industrial activity and disrupted ecosystems.
As opposition to the project mounts, activists and local communities demand a thorough environmental reassessment and greater public participation in decision-making before construction proceeds.
