MUMBAI: The proposed Greenfield refinery at Nanar dominated the Maharashtra Assembly's proceedings again on Friday despite the CM's assurance that the state would not go ahead without reaching an amicable solution through parleys.
Just after the Question Hour was over, the opposition members demanded that CM Devendra Fadnavis make a statement to clear whether the project would be implemented.
In response, Fadnavis said the project was in the country's interest and his government would take everyone on board before going ahead with it. "The West Coast Refinery is important for our oil security and export, for which we have signed MoUs with the Middle East countries. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh were eyeing it. Maharashtra was given priority. The total investment is worth `3 lakh crore," he told the House.
"There is no adverse impact on horticulture and environment."
He said the Jamnagar refinery has given a great boost to the economy of Gujarat and the story could be repeated in Maharashtra.
A notification for land acquisition was issued but there was opposition to it as well, he said, adding that though industries minister Subhash Desai announced withdrawal of the notification, no decision has been taken on it. “Wherever there is opposition, we are holding talks to resolve the concerns. The project will not be forced on the people."
Fadnavis said environment and social impact analysis would be carried out by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and IIT-Bombay.
However, uproar continued and the House had to be adjourned for third successive day. There were three adjournments - twice for 15 minutes and once for ten minutes- before it was adjourned for the day. During the debate, NCP leader Jayant Patil pointed out that the government was in a minority position on the refinery project.