Alternative site for marine bio-tech park soon

The state government is searching an alternative site for the setting up of its first Marine Biotechnology Park (MBP) in Ganjam district with the forest and environment department rejecting the earlier site near river Rushikulya mouth. The project would be set up in public private partnership (PPP) mode.

The wildlife wing of the forest department raised objection to the setting up of marine biotechnology park near Gokharakuda, about 40 km from here, saying it would affect the mass nesting of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles there.

Large number of wildlife lovers and tourists throng to Gokharakuda, known as the second largest rookery for the Olive Ridley turtles after Gahirmatha, to witness the mass nesting of the Olive Ridleys in the last week of February or the first week of March every year.

 

“We have shortlisted 3 to 4 another sites in different parts of the district and asked the officer so irrigation department and Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) to make site inspection. After getting the report from them we will proceed to acquire the land” said director of Biotechnology, S. Mohan Kumar.

The officials of the Science and Technology Department, state government, visited the district recently to select the alternative site to set up the park. The district administration has suggested three alternative sites; Palur Junction, Chandanagada near Katuru and Hatipada, near Gopalpur for the purpose.

“The feasibility of the sites will be finalised after consulting with other concerned departments”, said Kumar.

The district administration had already handed over 23.5 acres of land at Gokharakuda to IDCO for establishment of the bio-tech park.

The concept and modalities of the park, however, would be decided by the committee set up by the state government. "The government has decided for the establishment of the Marine Biotechnology Park in Ganjam, but the modalities of the park are yet to be finalised", said an officer.