 "<b>Trans Harbour Link:</b> JICA hopeful of Japan nod for part-funding")
"We are now in the process of the final agreement. We have to get the acknowledgement from the Japanese government. We have to finalise some small technical issues. We have to convince the Japanese government," JICA chief representative in the country, Takema Sakamoto told reporters on the sidelines of the Make in India Week here.
When asked about a timeline to receive the go-ahead, he said, "I understand the Maharashtra government is planning to put this out for bids in March. So, that is a common target for us".
Sakamoto said JICA will also insist on the project meeting its internal guidelines on environmental impact of the 22-km link, which will connect the island city with adjoining Raigad district, calling it as a pre-requisite before the final agreement is signed.
"In order to avoid future setbacks, having proper environmental treatment is the key. That is why we are requesting Maharashtra government to respect the environmental guidelines of JICA," he said, adding that a professional agency will be monitoring the project during the implementation stage.
The environmental concerns raised earlier had said the project can potentially hurt mangroves and over 150 species of birds, including flamingos who migrate to mudflats in the vicinity every winter.
Sakamoto said as the contribution from the renewable sources like solar power increases, there is a potential to cause fluctuations in the grid and the developmental finance body is conducting a study on the same.
There are also plans to get in Japanese technology to stabilise the grids, he said.