At MbPT event, Union minister Gadkari blames oil companies for country’s pollution woes
Mumbai: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday announced the transport ministry has sanctioned the construction of passenger jetties at nine locations in the state including Borivali, Vasai, Bhayander, Gorai, Manori, Ghodbunder and Virar.
He said, “The Maharashtra government’s original proposal was for developing the infrastructure at 69 places. The remaining will also be positively considered.”
Gadkar has also appealed to Manjula Chellur, Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, for an early hearing into a case where the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) wants to take over Radio Club at Colaba, citing the case has not come up for hearing in the last six years.
Gadkari added the club which hosts wedding receptions among other activities is on MbPT land and it is time it should be handed back so the facilities can be used for handling passenger ships.
Gadkari said, “A proposal on land use policy at major ports that will clear the decks for redevelopment in MbPT has been moved to the Cabinet and it will be tabled during the Winter Session of Parliament that starts on November 16.
Gadkari laid the foundation stone for the Rs 811crore fifth oil berth at Jawahar Dweep at MbPT which will add 22 MTPC capacities by accommodating larger vessels.
Following rising air pollution in the national capital, Gadkari held oil companies responsible for causing maximum damage to the environment and urged them to do their bit to maintain ecology.
“The oil companies have a lot of money and they are also the ones causing pollution. There is a bigger contribution for pollution in the country,” Gadkari added at an event organised by the Mumbai Port Trust here.
“I whole-heartedly want these companies to shut shop and shift to bio-fuels,” said the minister, pointing out to executives from three major state-owned Oil Marketing Companies- HPCL, BPCL and IOC who were present in the audience.
“Pollution is the biggest problem of our country,” said Gadkari.
