Subhash Desai asks CM to clarify on Nanar

Mumbai: While the Shiv Sena has opposed the Nanar refinery project in Konkan, Industries Minister and Sena leader Subhash Desai on Monday told the Legislative Assembly that he has asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to announce the state’s stand on it. 

Mr Desai was clarifying on the issue, as a written reply last week on the issue did not mention the fact. Shiv Sena has backed the locals who are opposing the project. On February 15, Sena president Uddhav Thackeray had met the CM with a delegation of local people.

Mr Desai said that nine Gram Panchayats in the area have passed resolutions opposing the proposed project, and people from 14 villages are opposing the process of survey for land acquisition, making the acquisition difficult. “I have written to the CM, asking him to clarify the state’s position,” Desai informed the House. Under the land acquisition act of 2013, it is difficult to acquire land against the will of owners, the minister said.

Mr Fadnavis had assured the delegation led by Mr Thackeray that he would speak to all stakeholders and the project will not be imposed on locals if their opposition continued, Mr Desai said.

“The memorandum of understanding for the refinery (with a consortium of public sector oil companies) could not be signed during the Magnetic Maharashtra conclave. Against this backdrop, I have written to the CM, saying that the state’s decision on the refinery should be announced,” the Sena minister said. 

Meanwhile, NCP MLA from Konkan Bhaskar Jadhav alleged that Shiv Sena has not got any assurance from the government to halt the project. “The Sena has no support from the local also. They have just taken political advantage of the situation but not put any efforts to prevent the project. It will be disaster for Konkan if the project is allowed to run there,” Mr Jadhav said.