Project clearances would not be bypassed to woo investors:CM

Projects can be cleared within 90 days. However, for certain projects which require the Central government and Coastal Regulation Zone clearances, more time would be needed, Chandy said.

But no clearance would be bypassed for any project and effort would be made to ensure that projects do not get embroiled in "red tapism," he told reporters here yesterday.

Chandy said no controversial projects would be entertained at the meet.

There has been opposition to the meet from various quarters including CPI-M-led LDF, environmentalists and a section from Congress with regard to various projects selected by the government to be showcased at the meet.

Chandy said he was saddened to note that some criticisms were based on "poor understanding of what the initiative was about and what we want to achieve through this."

He said 'Emerging Kerala' was neither an investment meet in the conventional sense nor was it an exclusive gathering of investors, as the government was not holding the meet with the sole purpose of signing MOUs and agreements.

"It is a platform to highlight Kerala's strengths to the world. It will also be a place to showcase the potential and opportunities in various sectors in Kerala," he said.

The government has drawn up a series of projects across more than two dozen sectors that have growth and investment potential. The mega infrastructural projects which have been identified include the high-speed Rail corridor, Metro Rail, Monorail, airports and IT Parks.

All environment checks and balances will be built into the projects right from the planning stage. "We only support ventures that are eco-friendly and non-polluting," he said.

Over 2,500 participants from 52 countries, including China, US, Canada, Australia would take part in the meet.