Posco India would have to incorporate the suggestions made by the Pune-based Central Water & Power Research Station (CWPRS) in the detailed project report (DPR) for the captive port proposed to be set up at Jatadhari Muhan in Jagatsighpur district.
"In 2006, the CWPRS had made a technical study on the impact of the Posco port on the possible threat to the operations of the Paradeep port in 2006 following the concerns of the authorities of Paradeep Port Trust (PPT) and the Union ministry of shipping, road transport and highways. We have asked Posco India to include the suggestions of CWPRS in the DPR of the captive port”, Sanjeev Sahoo, minister for commerce & transport said in the state assembly.
After Posco India submits the DPR for the port project, the state government will duly examine and ensure that the suggestions of CWPRS are complied with, he added.
The fate of the captive port project proposed by Posco India hangs in the balance with the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union ministry of environment & forests (MoEF) seeking additional information on the impact of the company's captive port on the environment.
The MoEF had issued environment and Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance for the captive port project in May 2007. Posco India had submitted its comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for the steel plant and captive port which is under scrutiny of the EAC which is likely to meet again in January 2011.
The Orissa government had given its in-principle approval for the establishment of a captive minor port on June 14, 2006.
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Posco India has conducted preliminary study and prepared the master plan for the harbour facilities for the captive port. It has also done numerical model analysis and littoral drift study for the port.
RITES Ltd was entrusted with the preparation of the draft concession agreement. The cost of the consultancy fee will be borne by Posco India. The draft concession agreement along with remarks of Posco India has been receive and is under scrutiny of the state government. Certain clarifications have been sought from RITES regarding water front .