BJP MLA seeks shifting of controversial Nanar project to

Amid growing opposition to Nanar refinery, proposed to be set up in coastal Maharashtra, a BJP MLA has requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that the project be shifted to Vidarbha region for the "viability" reasons.

Deshmukh, who represents Katol seat in Vidarbha region, has written a letter to the chief minister seeking shifting of the project.

Deshmukh also claimed that Union Heavy Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete has "assured" a delegation that the project would be shifted to Vidarbha.

Addressing a press conference here today, Deshmukh mentioned a number of "advantages" for the government if the project is shifted to the east Maharashtra region.

"Shifting the project to Vidarbha is a viable option. The shifting will cut down the cost for the government as well as consumers," the MLA said.

The Centre had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between State-owned IOCL, BPCL and HPCL, and Saudi Aramco to jointly develop and build the proposed integrated refinery and petrochemical complex in Ratnagiri district. The project is expected to cost around Rs 3 lakh crore.

The project has run into rough weather, as local people as well as parties like the Shiv Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led state government, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have opposed it staunchly.

Deshmukh suggested that the crude oil generated from the project could be transported by laying pipelines along the proposed Nagpur-Mumbai super highway. "This would save the infrastructure cost," he said.

Taking a dig at the BJP government, Deshmukh said the wait for the people of Vidarbha to get large projects still continues.

"The people of Vidarbha"had expected"that large projects announced in the Magnetic Maharashtra summit"in the past would come to the region. Unfortunately, no"major MoUs were signed for Vidarbha," the MLA said.

Deshmukh said he and the office-bearers of the Vidarbha"Economic Development"Council (VEDC) called on Geete in Delhi.

"He (the minister) assured us that"the Ratnagiri" refinery"would be shifted to Vidarbha," Deshmukh said.

He said the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has identified"15,000 acres of land near" Nagpur district which already has facilities like water, electricity, and ready-to-use"infrastructure.

"Nagpur"and surrounding areas are"more secure"for setting up petroleum reserves. Moreover, distribution of petroleum products in five states"is more feasible from Nagpur, given its (central) location," he said.