BJD Lok Sabha member Baijayant Panda on Monday requested Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister M Veerappa Moily to expedite implementation of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) project at Paradip.
Panda, who met Moily in New Delhi, pointed out that the project is likely to attract an investment of over `2 lakh crore and generate employment (direct and indirect) for more than 50,000 locals. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is the anchor tenant for the Paradip PCPIR.
As anchor tenant, the IOCL had agreed to develop a poly-propylene unit, an ethylene derivative plant as well as a mixed feed cracker unit at Paradip. The development of the PCPIR is dependent on these plants since the output from these plants will directly serve as feedback to its downstream units. Panda requested Moily to speed up the implementation of these plants. He also raised the issue of slow-down in the implementation of the IOCL refinery due to shortage of workers after cyclone Phailin.
Moily took note of Panda’s concern and has assured that necessary steps will be taken to implement the project.
Panda also requested Moily to undertake planning for the development of social sectors infrastructure like townships, health facilities and recreation facilities within the PCPIR.