Jawahar Dweep Becomes India’s First Plastic-Free Oil Terminal

Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal in Mumbai was declared plastic-free on 2 October 2026 by the Mumbai Port Authority. The terminal became India’s first oil terminal to eliminate single-use plastics completely.

Jawahar Dweep and Mumbai Port

Jawahar Dweep is also known as Butcher Island and is an offshore facility located about four kilometres off Mumbai’s coast. It has five jetties and handles crude oil and petroleum products.

The terminal serves major refineries such as Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. Petroleum cargo accounts for nearly three-fifths of Mumbai Port’s total traffic.

Plastic-Free Port Operations

The plastic-free declaration was made during Swachhata Abhiyan 2026 at Grey Gate in Indira Dock. The programme was held on 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Mumbai Port Authority has planned reductions in single-use plastics across its docks, residential colonies, and coastal areas. The initiative covers operational and residential spaces under the port administration.

Oil Spill Response Facilities

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated the port’s new Oil Spill Response facilities to the nation on 2 October 2026. Oil Spill Response systems are used for containment, recovery, and control of marine oil pollution.

Important Facts for Exams

• Jawahar Dweep is an offshore oil terminal located in Mumbai Harbour.
• Butcher Island is another name for Jawahar Dweep.
• Single-use plastics are items designed for one-time use before disposal.
• 2 October is observed as Gandhi Jayanti in India.