(a) whether the Government has received any proposal from the Government of Maharashtra regarding Inland Passenger Water Transport on West Coast, Mumbai for environmental clearance;
(b) if so, the details and the current status thereof; and
(c) the time by which the said proposal is likely to be finalised along with the reasons behind the delay in granting clearance?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR):
(a)& (b) CRZ clearance was issued to Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) for the development of Passenger Water Transport Project along West Coast of Mumbai City on 6th December, 2005 and 15th May, 2006. Since the validity of the above clearances expired in the year 2011, MSRDC has submitted a fresh proposal in August, 2012. Terms of References for carrying out Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study were granted as required under the EIA Notification, 2006. MSRDC submitted final EIA along with Public Hearing Minutes in December, 2012. The project was examined by the Expert Appraisal Committee in its meeting held in January, 2013 and the EAC recommended the project for grant of environment and CRZ clearance. Accordingly, the environment and CRZ clearance to the project was granted on 8th March, 2013.
(c) Does not arise in view of the reply given to parts (a) and (b) above.