The proposed oil refinery project in Konkan’s Nanar village was in the interest of the country Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday but added that it would not be forced upon the people. However, this did not stop the opposition protests in the Assembly, resulting in adjournment of proceedings for the third consecutive day.
“Locals, several organisations and political parties have raised questions about the project. The government has appointed IIT Powai, NEERI and Gokhale Institute to study various aspects. The project work will not go ahead unless the doubts of the locals and reports from these institutes are received,” said Mr. Fadnavis in his statement following two days of logjam over the issue.
Interestingly, Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Subhash Desai who had announced cancellation of land acquisition notice for the project was not present in the House. “I have received the file (for denotification of the land). But since the project comes from Centre, I have not taken any decision on it,” the Chief Minister said.
“The project is proposed to ensure fuel security for the country. Apart from Maharashtra, states like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh were interested in it. This will bring investment worth ₹3 lakh crore, create over one lakh jobs, and will be a green refinery project. There will be no pollution as is being feared,” Mr. Fadnavis said.
Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil again raised the issue of outsiders purchasing land in area notified for the project. Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said the government is in minority over this issue as its ally Shiv Sena stands with the opposition parties demanding scrapping of this project. Sena group leader Sunil Prabhu too reiterated his party’s opposition to the project, after which the House had to be adjourned for 15 minutes.
When the Assembly reassembled, NCP MLA Jayant Patil asked Mr. Fadnavis to clarify his position. “Do you want it or not,” he asked. Mr. Fadnavis replied, “The project is in the interest of the country. But the government will not force it on locals.”
With opposition sticking to the demand of scrapping the project, Sena too aggressively jumped in to protest in front of the Speaker. In the midst of chaos, two Bills were cleared and the House was adjourned for a day on third consecutive day.
The refinery will be the largest single location refinery complex in the world with a capacity of 60 million tonne per annum (mtpa), accounting for 25% of India’s current refining capacity. This would be equivalent of Reliance Industries (RIL) refining capacity of 60 mtpa, through two adjacent refineries in Jamnagar.
The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) will hold 50% stake in the mega refinery-cum-petrochemicals complex while the remaining 50% will be shared by global oil majors like Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
