Rahul extends support to protest against Nanar refinery in Maharashtra

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today extended support to the farmers opposed to the oil refinery project proposed at Nanar in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, the Konkan Anti-Refinery Action Committee, a body representing the protesters said.

Gandhi met a delegation of the Konkan Anti-Refinery Action Committee in the evening.

It apprised Gandhi of the damage the project may cause to the livelihood of farmers and the green cover there.

The Congress chief gave the delegation a patient hearing, its head Ashok Walam told reporters.

Congress general secretary in-charge for Maharashtra Mohan Prakash, the party's state unit chief Ashok Chavan, Rajya Sabha member Hussain Dalwai and others were also present on the occasion.

"The project will cause environmental damage. It requires felling of six crore trees... 48,000 people would be displaced.

"Fishermen will also be badly affected. We apprised Gandhi of these issues. He has assured us support," Walam told reporters.

Walam accused the Maharashtra government of pushing the project and ignoring the resentment among locals.

Chavan said Gandhi expressed concerns over "the losses people will suffer" because of the project.

He accused the Devendra Fadnavis government of "befooling" people on the issue.