Coal India against Aerotropolis project

Durgapur: The fate of the country’s first Aerotropolis project at Andal is now at stake. But this time it is not due to any resentment among farmers, but following a stern objection issued by Coal India Limited.
The coal major has expressed concern fearing permanent loss of a huge coal reserve if the project is implemented at the proposed site. The Bengal Aerotropolis Project Limited, a JV company that has been given a go-ahead by the ministry of civil aviation for the Rs 10,000 crore project has expressed surprise at the latest developments. The state government, meanwhile has formed a technical expert committee to look into the matter. The Coal Mine Planning and Development Institute (CMPDI), a CIL subsidiary has prepared a survey report equipped with substantial map mentioning the volume of underground coal reserve within 3,500 acres of land earmarked for the project. The CMPDI report stated that 415 acres falling under JL 36 in Dakshinkhanda mouza is having at least 2,300 billion tonnes of high-grade coal, which according to the coal company would bring revenue worth Rs 3600 crore into the CIL exchequer. About 3,500 acres have been earmarked for the Aerotropolis project in Andal.
Following the CMPDI report, Dr Partha Sarathi Bhattacharya, chairman, CIL, in an official correspondence to the state chief secretary has raised objection to the proposed venture. Dr Bhattacharya has referred to the possible loss of revenue to be incurred by the coal major if the Aerotropolis project takes off at its proposed site.
01/10/08 Kanchan Siddiqui/The Statesman

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Categories: Airports Oct 2008, New Oct 2008