Fishing community priority in Vadhavan port Devt: Maharashtra CM Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that interests of the fishing communities and local residents will be prioritized in Vadhavan Port Development.

The port development authorities are instructed to hold meetings to address the concerns and demands of the locals, ensuring that issues related to the fishing industry are resolved through dialogue and coordination.

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of chief minister Shinde at the Sahyadri Guest House with a delegation from the Vadhavan Port Coordination Committee. Former MLA KapilPatil, former MLA RavindraPhatak, chief minister’s additional chief secretary IS Chahal and VikasKharge, additional chief secretary of ports and transport department Sanjeev Sethi, principal secretary of the environment and climate change department Praveen Darade, forest department secretary Venu Gopal Reddy, and JNPA chairman UnmeshWagh were present during the meeting. The Konkan divisional commissioner, P. Velarasu, participated through video conferencing.

Chief Minister Shinde emphasized that the Vadhavan Port project, an ambitious initiative, will prioritize the interests of locals and the fishing community from inception to completion. He assured that efforts will be made to prevent any harm to stakeholders, with positive and feasible alternatives being explored at every stage. If land acquisition be necessary, compensation will be provided according to regulations. The Chief Minister directed the JNPA and port department to engage with the fishing community prior to the project’s start to address their concerns. Comprehensive discussions will be held to resolve any livelihood issues and determine appropriate compensation and solutions.

JNPA chairman Wagh stated that efforts are underway to ensure that employment opportunities created by the Vadhavan Port are reserved for local residents. Thirty training programs have been finalized to develop the necessary skills for these jobs. Plans are in place to implement these training programs for the youth in the talukas surrounding the port area in Palghar district.

During the meeting, the Vadhavan port coordination committee presented information regarding the demands of fishing communities from various villages, including Zhai and Saatpati. It was discussed that a positive resolution for these demands will be sought through ongoing coordination meetings.

In the meeting, it was highlighted that more than fifteen fishing organizations in the district have expressed support for the Vadhavan Port project. It was emphasized that the project is in the national interest and crucial for generating significant employment opportunities in the Palghar district.