Plagued with siltation problem, especially during winters, Haldia port is banking on the opening up of an alternative channel, which could solve its problems.

At present, seven dredgers are working at various points in the river, but two of those are more than 25 years old.

“Last year the government spent around Rs 300 crore on dredging the tract and this year the expenditure will be close to around Rs 400 - 450 crore. But if the port authorities switch to the other channel, then it will save huge dredging costs,” said a source at the dock.

The alternative channel that has the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) authorities and the workers divided is next to the present channel. Sources said that a survey conducted last year had shown that the channel could be used in place of the present one.

A survey completed in November, 2008 had stated that the alternative channel has a depth of around nine metres, much more than the present one, sources said.

Chairman of KoPT A K Chanda, however, denied that the survey had yielded any results as yet. “We are conducting the survey and are yet to get the results. After we get the reports we will see if the channel is suitable for navigation.”

Some KoPT officials, however, said the results of the survey was positive but the decision will not be based on it.

“Closing down of the present channel is a huge thing and unless we are absolutely sure of the stability of the alternate channel, we cannot take the risk of shifting to it. If it proves to be unstable and un-navigable, then we will end up losing Haldia,” a senior KoPT official said. The official, however, added: “But if there is no option and it is absolutely important for the survival of Haldia dock complex we will open the alternative channel.”

... contd.