The Expert Committee on Infrastructure Development and Miscellaneous Projects of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has recommended the project for the Coastal Regulation Zone clearance.

The committee has recommended the clearance on the conditions that mangrove plantation will be carried out in the area of 200 ha and the project proponent will submit a detailed plan of mangroves. The committee has also sought assurances that no existing mangroves will be destroyed.

Another condition imposed by the expert committee mentions that there will be no filling up of the creek and reclamations, affecting it. The project proponent is also expected to comply with all the orders/directions of the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court.

On its part, MPSEZL promoted by the Adani Group, had informed the committee that no mangrove area is included in the proposed project. It also submitted a High Tide Line/Low Tide Line map authenticated by the National Institute of Oceanography, indicating the omission of the mangrove area for development.

According to the MPSEZL, in the northern part of the port, there will not be any destruction of the mangroves and the proposed expansion of the existing channel affecting mangroves has been dropped.