A team comprising officials of the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Mumbai and the Andhra Pradesh Gas Distribution Company Limited (APGDC) has completed the first phase of the field study along the coastline of Krishna district to identify nearly 5,000 acres of land for setting up of an oil refinery.
According to Krishna district revenue officials, who accompanied the team during the survey on December 3, the HPCL was all set to spend more than Rs. 70,000 crore in the first phase of the project. “The team has inspected a few suitable locations such as Interu, Pedapatnam, Manginapudi and Polatitippa. The higher-ups have asked us to submit a detailed report on availability of nearly 5,000 acres of government land,” Bandar Revenue Divisional Officer P. Saibabu told The Hindu .
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On the other hand, the State government has also promised to provide a liquid berth in the proposed deep sea port in Machilipatnam. The liquid berth, as inquired by the team, is mandatory for smooth operation of the proposed oil refinery. “Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will review on the necessary changes in the proposals of the ports in Andhra Pradesh, including Machilipatnam port on Tuesday,” Excise and B.C. Welfare Minister Kollu Ravindra said.
Revenue officials further said that the Chief Minister would also take a decision over the development of the liquid berth in Machilipatnam. “Identification of suitable land for the oil refinery project will be completed soon,” said Mr. Saibabu.