Not only the petrochemical hub, but other mega industrial projects are also considering moving out of Nandigram, and even out of the state, if the political deadlock in the area is not resolved soon.

One such project is a massive marine park at Nandigram, which was being developed by P K Ruia-owned Jessop Shipyard Ltd. The marine park would have included a shipbuilding and repairing facility, a captive steel and power plant, a cold-rolling plant and a cargo facility.

The Ruias had made a presentation to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on the project in October 2006, but the plan has been on hold ever since violence first broke out in Nandigram in January 2007.

But now, Ruia is seriously considering taking the project somewhere else if the situation in Nandigram does not stabilise soon. “Of course, we would like the project to come up in the state as we belong here, but if the political standoff continues then we would be compelled to move out, though no decision has been taken on the matter yet,” said Ruia.

The project that is likely to cost anywhere between Rs 3000-4000 crore, would require 1500 acres of land and it is estimated that it would be one of the largest employment generating projects in the state with a potential of employing 16,000 people. The shipbuilding yard itself was supposed to be one of the largest in the world with a capacity of producing 12 large vessels in a year. “We have not picked up the matter with the Government as we thought it would be inappropriate in the given situation surrounding acquisition of land for industry in the state and would have complicated matters,” said an official at the Ruia group.

... contd.