The Standing Committee of National Board of Wild Life (NBWL) rejected the proposal for permission to carry out environmental impact assessment and risk assessment for establishment of a port at Poshitra in district Jamnagar, Gujarat, a press statement by the ministry of environment and forests said. The 18th meeting of standing committee of NBW was held on 12 April under the chairmanship of Jairam Ramesh, minister of state for environment and forests.  

The proposal was rejected on the basic ground that the proposed project site is within parts of the Gulf of Kuchch Marine National Park which is very rich in marine biodiversity and is in a highly ecological fragile area. In making the decision, it was noted that a report of the MS Swaminathan Committee recommended that no port be developed in or around Protected Areas/Ecological Fragile Zones.

The committee also rejected a proposal for withdrawal of water from the Majthal Wildlife Sanctuary and laying of pipeline for carrying this water for the expansion of a cement plant by M/s Ambuja Cement Pvt. Ltd. The proposal was rejected as the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 clearly states that no wildlife produce, including water, can be used for commercial purpose.

Another proposal discussed was on reducing area of Kolleru Lake Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. It was decided to constitute an expert committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Aziz, Director, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore to study the issue in greater depth both from the perspective of protection of livelihood of local communities and the conservation and protection of the wetland of Kolleru. A scientific survey of the entire area would also be done through satellite mapping to get an actual picture of the status and alignment of contour lines.

The committee has also unanimously rejected a proposal for 2-D seismic survey in an area of 150 sq. km. in Narayan Sagar Sanctuary in Gujarat, considering the importance of biodiversity of Narayan Sagar Sanctuary, and considering the fact that in past large area of this sanctuary has been carved out for various development activities. 

The committee also rejected a proposal for manufacturing of ductile iron spun pipes, neutralizing iron ore fines in Goa, as the plan is within a distance of 3.25 km from the boundary of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Another proposal for mining of Manganese ore in Goa was rejected as it fell within 5.3 km from the boundary of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. It is to be noted that the Supreme Court of India has desired that no polluting activity should be carried out within 10 km from boundary of Protected Areas.