Subarnarekha port project hits MoEF roadblock

The proposed port at Subarnarekha river mouth in Balasore district to be developed by Chennai-based Creative Port Development Ltd has hit a roadblock with the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) raising concern over the possible impact of the project on nesting habits of turtles.

The ministry has held up the environment clearance for the port, demanding a certificate from the project proponent assuring that the proposed site is not a turtle nesting ground.

Meanwhile, Gagan Dhal, principal secretary (commerce & transport) has sought the intervention of S S Srivavstav, principal chief conservator of forests- PCCF (wildlife) to take immediate steps to issue the required certificate.

The state forest & environment department has already recommended environment clearance for the project to MoEF in a letter dated March 31, 2011. The recommendation was made after the Orissa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (OSCZMA) scrutinized the project proponent's Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study.

Creative Port Development Ltd had signed the MoU for the project with the state government in December 2006 and entered into a concession agreement on January 11, 2008.

The project needs 1215.43 acres of land for the port area and 1565.93 acres for the rail corridor. Out of the land needed for the port area, 158 acres constitute Gochar land, 193 acres Bhudan land, 138 acres of encroached land and the remaining 724 acres being free land.

The port would have an initial capacity of 10 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) which will be scaled up to 40 mtpa in 10 years. As per this agreement, the port developer would share revenue with the state government at the rate of five per cent from first to fifth year, eight per cent from sixth to 10th year, 10 per cent from 11th to 15th year and 12 per cent for the remaining 15 years. The Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) package for the project is under finalization. The proposed port project is set to create direct and indirect employment for around 3000 people.