Mangalore SEZ project to be restricted to Phase-I

Mangalore: The Expert Committee on Infrastructure Development and Miscellaneous Projects, under the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), has recommended to the Ministry that the Mangalore SEZ project be restricted to the Phase-I with 1,800 acres.

The committee met in New Delhi on February 27 and 28, as per the minutes of the meeting posted on the MoEF Web site.

After detailed discussion and taking into consideration the information and clarification provided by the project proponent, the committee decided to recommend the project under Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2006, and Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 1991.

Phase I:

However, the committee said that the MSEZ project shall be restricted to the Phase-I of the project, which is 1,800 acres, and rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) package shall be strictly in accordance with the laid down norms of the State Government.

The Phase-I of Mangalore SEZ project involves phase-III refinery of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), and aromatic complex and olefin complex that are proposed to be developed by the anchor promoter of Mangalore SEZ project – ONGC – MRPL.

For this, 1,800 acres of land has already been acquired.

NORMS:

The committee also recommended that the location of the SEZ and the industrial units in the SEZ, and the associated facilities shall be strictly in accordance with the norms laid down by the State Government and Central Pollution Control Board.

It said that the project proponent shall ensure that the greenery of the area is maintained, and 20 per cent of the project area shall be dedicated for green belt development.

When Business Line contacted Mr I.S.N. Prasad, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mangalore SEZ Ltd, he said: “We are happy that the committee has recommended phase-I for clearance for 1,800 acres. It is still not deemed to be an environment clearance until we get the letter from the MoEF. It is only the recommendation of the committee.”

Mangalore SEZ Ltd needs 2,035 acres for the Phase-II of the project. This will help Mangalore SEZ to become a general purpose multi-product SEZ.

Asked about the prospects of the Phase-II of the project, Mr Prasad said: “We will have to go back to the MoEF for environment clearance after identifying the industries in Phase-II.”