Environment Panel Flags Ecological Risks at JSW’s Dharamtar Creek Facility

A sub-committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has flagged serious environmental concerns at the jetty facility of JSW Dharamtar Port Private Limited in Raigad district, Maharashtra, prior to granting clearance for its proposed expansion.

The jetty, located along the Dharamtar Creek near the JSW Steel Dolvi Plant, currently handles 33.95 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of cargo. The company has sought approval to increase capacity to 54.0 MTPA , positioning the facility among mid-to-large private captive ports in India’s logistics network , primarily serving bulk cargo such as coal and iron ore.

A site inspection revealed that mangroves along the creek are heavily coated with coal and iron ore dust , raising concerns about ecological degradation. The panel also observed coal spillage during cargo transfer and discharge of wastewater into mangrove zones , which could increase river turbidity and lead to long-term sediment contamination.

Despite ongoing restoration efforts by the JSW Foundation which has planted over 2.5 million mangrove saplings with an 85% survival rate the sub-committee noted that mitigation measures such as tree barriers have proven ineffective in preventing dust deposition .

The report warned that increased cargo handling, even with mechanisation, may further impact well-developed mangroves on the northern side of the jetty . It recommended installing 15-foot-high protective screens , improving dust control systems, and preparing a dedicated mangrove conservation plan .

The observations were reviewed by the ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee, which is considering environmental and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearances for the expansion. JSW Dharamtar Port has acknowledged the findings and committed to implementing the recommended safeguards, according to official meeting records.

At the proposed 54 MTPA capacity , the port would significantly enhance its role as a key captive logistics hub for the JSW Group , though it would still remain smaller than India’s largest commercial ports. Its strategic location near industrial clusters allows it to function as a critical bulk cargo gateway for steel production supply chains.