Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday ordered setting up of a joint committee of officials and villagers to resolve the issues surrounding the proposed west coast refinery and petrochemical complex in Konkan’s Rajapur and Devgad areas. The move comes a day after villagers held a press conference and four days after a protest march against the project.
Mr. Fadnavis, in a meeting with Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from the affected areas, called for a grievances redress committee.
“The project is the biggest-ever investment in Maharashtra and the government has no intention to stretch muscles to acquire lands. Certain misconceptions and propaganda need to be addressed,” said an official, who attended the meeting.
An increased rehabilitation package and possible harm to environment due to pollution were discussed. Taking a U-turn from his earlier position, Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam on Tuesday said if the people decide to support the project then his party will not oppose it.
According to government sources, the rehabilitation package will be the highest in the State.
‘Divide and rule’
However, the villagers who had addressed the press conference told The Hindu that parties are playing the divide-and-rule card to wipe out the opposition. “We have never asked the Sena and the BJP to become our representative and fight our battle. We are working without political interference,” said Satyajit Chavan, convener, Konkan Vinashkari Prakalp Virodhi Samiti.
The proposed refinery — the biggest in the country — is expected to bring investments of ₹2.5-3 lakh crore. The Indian Oil Corporation will have 50% stake in it, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited will each own 25% .