A Centre's green panel has given environmental clearance to Reliance Industries for expansion of its jetty facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for handling chemical and petrochemical products at a cost of Rs 750 crore.
RIL has an integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Jamnagar district with a marine terminal in the Gulf of Kutch that has five single-point mooring (SPMs) and a liquid jetty comprising five liquid berths to facilitate supply of crude oil to the refinery and evacuate the products manufactured.
To handle more products, the company has proposed expansion of its existing liquid jetty by setting up an additional berth of capacity to handle about 8 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa).
RIL's proposal was examined at a recent meeting by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Environment Ministry.
"EAC has recommended the ministry to grant environment and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearances to the RIL's proposal to expand its jetty facility at Jamnagar in Gujarat," a senior government official said.
The panel also suggested the ministry to stipulate specific conditions, along with other environmental conditions, while considering accord of environmental clearance, the official said.
The company plans to complete the expansion in two years after the grant of final green clearance from the ministry. The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 750 crore.
Among specific conditions, EAC has suggested that the company should not carry out any construction activity in the eco-sensitive area.
RIL should ensure there is no damage to the existing mangroves patches near the site and there is free flow of water to avoid damage to the mangroves. It has also been told to undertake additional mangrove plantation in 100 hectares.
It has been told to take steps so that no creeks or rivers are blocked due to any activity at the project site and free flow of water is maintained, besides regularly monitoring the marine ecology.
The company has been asked to comply with the commitments made during the public hearing.
According to RIL, the proposed berth will be established within coastal waters off the Gulf of Kutch and will be the part of the existing captive terminal.
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