Date:15/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/05/15/stories/2007051505380200.htm

Back Chemical hub: W. Bengal in search of suitable location

Pratim Ranjan Bose

Kolkata May 14 Irrespective of problems, the West Bengal Government is committed to developing Haldia as a petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals industrial region (PCPIR). The search is on for a suitable location for the proposed 10,000-acre chemical hub by the Salim Group of Indonesia.

The chemical hub - a special economic zone for chemical industries - is an integral part of the 250 sq km PCPIR and was previously decided to be set up in Nandigram near Haldia. However, violent protests by the villagers leading to police action and death of 14 villagers forced the government abandon its plan and announce shifting of the SEZ.

"We are trying to locate an alternative location for the chemical hub through general consensus," the State Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Nirupam Sen, told Business Line.

"Setting up of the PCPIR including the chemical hub is high on our agenda. We have not put the proposed chemical hub on hold but merely in the process of shifting its location. We are expecting to identify the new location as soon as possible," he said adding that once implemented the region will change the industrial landscape of the State permanently.

Another project

Apart from the chemical hub, the PCPIR would include the existing industries in Haldia, two more SEZs including one specifically for the pharmaceuticals sector and another mega SEZ of 10,000 acre. IndianOil has already agreed to be the anchor investor in the region.

The project also includes setting up a deep-sea port to ensure smooth movement of crude oil and petroleum product cargo.

"The Central Government is now in the final stages of appointing a consultant to study the viability of the port," Mr Sen said.