BJD MP seeks implementation of Odisha petrochemical project

A Biju Janata Dal (BJP) MP has written to Petroleum Minister M. Veerappa Moily demanding the early implementation of the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) project in Odisha, his office said Saturday.

Baijayant 'Jay' Panda, who represents the state's Kendrapara constituency in the Lok Sabha, wrote that the state-run Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) -- which is anchor tenant for the project -- has not given the timeline for the project's implementation.

"IOCL had agreed to develop a poly-propylene unit, an ethylene derivate plant as well as mixed feed cracker unit at Paradip," Panda said in the letter two days ago. A copy of the letter was released to the media here Saturday.

"While IOCL claims it is taking steps to expedite the implementation of these plants, it has refrained from giving a firm commitment on production capacities as well as the timelines of its implementation," Panda said in the letter.

Panda has urged the central minister to intervene in the matter as it affects the planning of other industrial units in the PCPIR region.

The PCPIR near the port town of Paradip, about 100 km from here, is spread over 284.15 square km. The project was approved by the central government in 2010.

Though the state had signed a pact with the central government November 2011 for the project, there has been not much progress.