New Delhi: Environment Ministry’s panel EAC has deferred the decision to grant environment clearance (EC) to Essar group firm Vadinar Oil Terminal Ltd for expansion of a marine terminal in Gujarat and has sought more information from the company. The Ministry gives green nod to ‘A’ category projects based on the recommendations of its Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). VOTL has sought green nod for expansion of its marine terminal by adding two new berths, C and D, with a connecting trestle and associated facilities at Vadinar in Gujarat to cater to the need of Essar Oil’s refinery expansion. “The proposal was discussed in detail in the recent meeting.
The EAC took note of the observations made by the Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and sought more information from the company,” a senior official said. GCZMA has recommended that VOTL should obtain necessary permission/recommendations from the State Level Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee for the trestle, which is passing though eco-sensitive zone, before commencing any activity.
