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Centre Extends Green Nod Validity for Ports to 20 Years Amidst Controversy
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News18•22-09-2026, 17:30
Centre Extends Green Nod Validity for Ports to 20 Years Amidst Controversy
- •The environment ministry has extended the validity period of environmental clearances (ECs) for ports, harbours, breakwaters, and dredging projects from 10 to 20 years, with provisions for two further five-year extensions.
- •This decision follows a draft notification in May proposing a 15-year validity with a five-year extension option, but was revised to 20 years after stakeholder consultations.
- •The ministry justified the extension due to the long gestation periods and phased development characteristics of port and harbour projects.
- •Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the move, suggesting it benefits the proposed transshipment port in Great Nicobar, potentially a "Modani enterprise."
- •The Great Nicobar Islands (GNI) project includes an integrated township, civil and greenfield military airports, and a 450-MVA gas and solar power-based plant, alongside the transshipment port.
Key Questions Answered
The environment ministry has extended the validity period of environmental clearances for ports, harbours, breakwaters, and dredging projects from 10 years to 20 years, with provisions for two further extensions of up to five years each.
The decision was made due to the long gestation periods and phased development characteristics inherent in port and harbour projects.
The move drew sharp criticism from the Congress party, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh claiming the amendment was made to benefit a proposed transshipment port in Great Nicobar.
