PPT iron ore terminal project awaits forest clearance

Wednesday, 12 Oct 2011

Telegraph reported that an INR 506 crore iron ore terminal project, an ambitious expansion project of Paradip Port Trust, remains stalled because of absence of clearance from the ministry of forest and environment.

The project could lead to a major increase of the cargo handling capacity of the port. Port authorities had felt the need for a deep draught iron ore berth to meet expeditious handling of ores because of the recent iron ore export boom.

Thereafter, an accord was signed between the PPT and a private bidder on July 1st 2009. However, the project has failed to move forward as the MoEF clearance has not yet been accorded.

Forest officials said that PPT officials had invited tender for the project in a hurry without being armed with the MoEF clearance. The clearance is mandatory for the project to take off.

Mr Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, divisional forest officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) forest division said that "First, PPT authorities should have sought the MoEF go ahead before inviting global tenders. But they did not do so. Hence, the port trust will have to wait for the clearance."

Mr S Ananta Chandra Bose deputy chairman at PPT said that "The matter has been taken up with appropriate authorities. This project is of immense importance for the growth of the port. We are hopeful that MoEF will accord the seal of approval for the project without further delay."

Mr Mohapatra said that "Since this is an important port project, we are treating the case expeditiously. The PPT has already given us an undertaking that compensatory forestation will be carried out. The clearance proposal has been sent to the Union ministry. We expect a positive reply from MoEF very shortly."

The site for the terminal project is under the PPT's jurisdiction. However, the construction site falls under the coastal regulation zone territory and the MoEF clearance is a must for such projects.

(sourced from Telegraphindia)