Dispute over KoPT's operations in Kanika sands set to end, says KoPT chairman

All concerned parties set to formally approve an agreed formula

In accordance with Supreme Court's direction, the long-standing  battle between the Odisha government and the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) over the extension of the latter’s area up to Kanika sands is finally heading for an amicable settlement as all the concerned parties set to formally approve an agreed formula in a high-level meeting on June 14.

“Ministry of Shipping came out with a proposal as a solution. Odisha government suggested some modification in that, which we are  agreeable to. The Kanika sands issue is set to be resolved. The matter will come up on a meeting on June 14,” KoPT Chairman R P S Kahlon told reporters on the sideline of a seminar at Bengal Chamber of Commerce here.

Representatives of Ministry of Shipping, Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), Dhamra Port along with representatives of west Bnegal and Odisha government are expected to attend the June 14 meeting in Delhi.

“Following this we will file an affidavit before SC, which had directed for amicable solution,” Kalhon said.

He, however, refused to share details about the proposed solution.

Sources suggest KoPT would be allowed to carry on the transloading operations in Kanika Sands. But, a new location is identified for the proposed operation, to which unlike the earlier one, Odisha government does not have objections.

The dispute dates back to November 2010, when through a notification by Shipping Ministry KoPT had extended its limits to more than 200 kilo metre south of Haldia into the Bay of Bengal covering an area of 28646 square kilo metre and came out with a plan to build a transloading terminal at Kanika sands.

Odisha government opposed the KoPT's move saying it would affect seven upcoming ports in the vicinity  — like Dhamara, Chudamani, Chandipur, Inchudi, Subarnarekha, Bichitrapur and Bahabalpur. After several legal battles over the issue at the Orissa High Court and the Calcutta High Court, the matter finally went upto Supreme Court.