P&O Australia had sought a four-month extension from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to carry out an environment impact assessment (EIA) for the Vadhavan port project after the last deadline lapsed on April 30. The company, which received a letter of intent from the then prime minister HD Deve Gowda on February 17, 1997, for development of Vadhavan port with 29 berths, has so far received two extensions from the board.
Top sources said that the MMB had forwarded the request to the DEA. The authority hasbeen set up by the state government following strong opposition from the locals. It will take decisions on issues related to environment conservation, effect on fishing and related activities after the development of the port. The authority has been delegated necessary powers to clear such policy decisions.
The MMB would submit the Vadhavan project proposal to the union environment ministry only after the company prepares the EIA report. P&O has already finalised the design for the project.
Sources confirmed that the company had recently threatened to pack up following the agitation by locals, various political parties and trade unions. A letter in this regard has already been submitted to the state government and Sena supremo Bal Thackeray who was keen on development of the port.
P&O Australia Ports has already received offers from the governments of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to set up similar ports. Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel is believed to have given an open invitation with ahost of concessions as also Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his counterpart in Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi.
Maharashtra chief minister Manohar Joshi will soon convene a meeting of the fishing community and farmers from Dahanu region, various political parties and company officials. A rift has surfaced between the ruling partners on this issue with the Sena backing the project and the BJP opposing it.
Meanwhile, P&O Australia has awarded contracts for development of container terminals at Haldia and Kochi with an investment of Rs 350 crore each. The company has already received contract letters from the respective states. Sources said that the company would explore further possibilities for development of such small projects in other states.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
Read Original at : http://www.expressindia.com/fe/daily/19980510/13055084.html
