State Chief Secretary P B Mahishi has hinted that both the proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Petroleum Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) would not be withdrawn from Mangalore.
Addressing a press conference at NMPT Guest House here on Wednesday, he said Mangalore was the most suitable region for both the projects. Though in the beginning he said there had been much competition for taking over PCPIR to three other states other than Karnataka, later he said as the project was basically of ONGC, it must be operated only from Mangalore.
“As the officials informed me, since people have confusion about the projects, they are opposing. They will be convinced gradually,” he said and added that Rs 23.5 lakh compensation and a job for each family was the best package the company could offer.
When asked about the acquisition of fertile land, he said only 26 per cent of the total area selected was cultivable land, while the rest being uncultivable. “Every development project has arguments for and against. States like Kerala still do not have major industries as they opposed them. Should we be anti-development?” he questioned.
Port development
Mr Mahishi, who earlier had a meeting at New Mangalore Port Trust regarding hinterland development, said the meeting focussed on the ways of increasing the business of NMPT through achieving hinterland development.
Discussions were held for better railway and road connectivity with the port and how to flow the goods to the port which are being transported via other states, he said. The Port has sent a proposal to the Centre concentrating on bulk handling.
The meeting discussed on the ways and means to expedite the new contract, he added.
Stating that the deplorable condition of roads has not affected the port business, he said overloading of trucks had also been reduced considerably as per the official information.
Container depot
The Chief Secretary said there was a proposal to establish a container depot for coffee growers in Hassan. Though the identified land has been taken for the new airport, the project of the depot will not be marred, he assured.
The coffee growers of the district have been convinced to carry out their business through Mangalore port, he added.
Mr Mahishi said there was no proposal to convert the goods track into double line but there were plans to strengthen the lines excluding the Western Ghat section.