West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee, during her 3-day visit to the National Capital, held a meeting on Monday with the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar regarding clearance for several investment proposals for the State.
State Finance and Industries Minister, Dr Amit Mitra followed up with the Union Minister on the status of projects submitted for clearance.
Thirty eight projects cleared
“These projects, once cleared, will generate a lot of investment to the State and create huge employment opportunities,” said Dr Mitra.
During the meeting, the Union Minister informed Dr Amit Mitra that the Centre has cleared 38 projects which include 5 State PSU projects, 19 private projects and 14 Central PSU projects. These projects were cleared with the effort of the State government.
List of Central PSU projects include:
- ONGC – 4 projects
- NTPC – 1 project
- IISCO – 2 projects
- DVC – Bankura Project
- Eastern Coal Fields Ltd
- Durgapur Steel Expansion among others
List of Private projects include:
- Larsen & Tubro Power Development Ltd
- Orissa Metaliks Pvt Ltd
- Rashmi Cement Ltd
- Rashmi Mitaliks Ltd
- Bengal Emta Coal Mines Ltd
- Alpine Distilleries Pvt Ltd among others
Mega Ganga cleaning project
The State government has also submitted a proposal worth Rs 13000 crore to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for cleaning the Ganga.
The mega Ganga cleaning plan involves 41 municipalities (for solid waste management), 780 industrial units (for affluent treatment). A report has been submitted to the Centre urging it to clear it through the NGT.
When it comes to environmental responsibility, the West Bengal Government has been proactive; the Ganga cleaning proposal is a perfect example of a concrete step taken by the government.