Parliament Question: Coal transportation and ecological impact on National Waterway-10

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2878 ANSWERED ON 17.03.2026 COAL TRANSPORTATION AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ON NATIONAL WATERWAY- 10 2878. SHRI DHAIRYASHIL MOHAN PATIL: Will the Minister ofPORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYSbe pleased to state: (a) whether the Mumbai Port Trust is utilizing National Waterway 10 (Amba River) for coal transportation; (b) if so, whether Government has conducted any scientific study on the environmental impacts of such transportation on the river's ecosystem and water quality; (c) the protective measures being taken by Government to prevent coal spillage and pollution and to protect local biodiversity; and (d) whether Government proposes to officially recognize the inland fishing activities operating on this waterway and safeguard the livelihoods of fishermen? ANSWER MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL) (a)to (c) Coal transportation through National Waterway 10 (River Amba) is being carried out by Jindal South West (JSW) Group through the use of closed hatch cover Mini Bulk Carriers (MBCs) from JSW Jaigarh Port to JSW Dharamtar Port. These types of operations are permissible only when environmental clearance (EC) is granted. The EC contains protective measures to be undertaken to ensure preservation of environment and local biodiversity. To avoid coal spillage and environmental pollution, several precautionary measures have been implemented. Coal is transported using vessels equipped with closed hatch covers, which ensure controlled movement of cargo and prevent any spillage during transportation. (d) Yes, inland fishing activities are recognized as a legitimate livelihood on National Waterways. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) an autonomous organisation under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways ensures that the development of inland waterways does not adversely affect fishermen. *****