Citizens' committee alleges government withheld information on proposed PCPIR at Nayachar

06-Apr-09

A citizens' committee, comprising geologists, chemists, chemical engineers, physicist, river scientists, doctors, economists and fish experts, has alleged that the government has withheld information on the proposed PCPIR at Nayachar. As the government refuses to enter into an open debate on the issue, the committee is evaluating other options including legal action to get the truth on the matter out before the public at large. The forum has been opposing the petroleum, chemical and petrochemical investment region (PCPIR), citing arguments, including damage to the Hooghly estuary, one of the most ecologically rich zones. Reacting to statements by government functionaries that there are no major complications, including environmental ones, in going ahead with plans for setting up a mega petrochem complex at the very heart of the Ganga delta, Society for Direct Initiative for Social & Health Action (Disha) secretary Santanu Chacraverti said there was no scientific proof for such claims forthcoming from the government. In the document received by the committee, the PCPIR proposal itself describes petrochem industries as hazardous. It says the water around Nayachar will act as a buffer in case of any accident', protecting the population of the mainland'.