The Odisha government has asked Posco India to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for its proposed captive port near Paradip Port as per the suggestions made by Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS).
“The State Government will evaluate Posco India's port DPR and ensure that the suggestions made by CWPRS are properly implemented,” Commerce and Transport Minister, Mr Sanjeev Kumar Sahoo, told the Assembly while replying a question.
Stating that a technical study was conducted by CWPRS, Pune, to assess the impact of Posco India's proposed port on the existing major port at Paradip, the minister said the State Government would thoroughly examine the company's DPR while initiating process for clearances from different agencies and departments.
Paradip Port Trust (PPT) authorities, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and National Highways in 2006 had indicated that Posco India's proposed captive port at Jatadhar could affect the prospect of the existing port at Paradip.
“Thereafter, CWPRS was engaged to conduct a technical study on the matter relating to the possible impact,” the minister said adding the Pune based organisation had already submitted its report suggesting certain steps to be taken by Posco India before going ahead with its proposed captive port.
However, the minister made it clear that though the State had signed MoU with Posco India for setting up a 12-mtpa mega greenfield steel unit at an investment of Rs 52,000 crore, no such pact had been made for the port project.