Centre defers Kattupalli port expansion plan, seeks clarity

CHENNAI: An Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment Ministry has deferred the revised Master Plan for the Kattupalli port proposed by M/S Marine Infrastructure Developer Private Limited (MIDPL), now acquired by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited. The proposal was discussed at the 32nd meeting of EAC (Infra-2), which deals with ports and harbours. The MIDPL, which is the project proponent, gave a detailed presentation on the salient features of the project. But, the EAC decided to defer the proposal for want of more clarity. 

The EAC chaired by T Haque has asked the MIDPL to submit details of present land use, proposed land use with different facilities with extent of areas in a table form with classifications as per the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011, details of extent of diversion/utilisation of the Kosasthalaiyar river for different activities, possession status of all the land extent, including private land and TIDCO (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation) land. 

The EAC has also asked the MIDPL to submit installation details on TIDCO land which comprises river and Buckingham canal after setting off the no-development zone as per CRZ notification and submit details of area with population on the upstream side located in 10 km distance on all the sides. Besides, land status as per draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2018 was also sought.

“The proposal was, therefore, deferred till the desired information is submitted,” according to the minutes of EAC meeting, accessed by the Express. If Adani’s plan materialises and the revised Master Plan for the Kattupalli port is implemented, it will be the largest port in southern India with total cargo handling capacity of 259 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA).