Dhamra is one of the most ancient ports of India. Till about independence and even thereafter it was used for cargo transportation. Officially, the Dhamra port limits were notified as far back as 1881. The upcoming port falls within the area notified way back in 1931. The current port limit is as notified in 1998.

When the Govt of Orissa decided to develop the port once again in Dhamra, M/s Kirloskar Consultants prepared the study after detailed investigation. Further EIA chapters on Navigation Channel, Marine Living Resources and Greenbelt development were added after detailed study, as called for and during the process of scrutiny of the Empowered Committee for Environment Clearances (MOST).

It must also be understood that the environment clearance was a two year long process during which a number of studies and reports were submitted. The original EIA study covered an area of 10 km radius for all purposes, which included both the sites referred to as concept 1 and concept 2 in the study. As the final selection went in favour of concept 1, a supplementary EIA study was also conducted and submitted which was exclusively with reference to the finally selected location where the port is now being developed. The final clearance and judgment of NEAA are in reference to the finally selected site which is the present site.