Exim News Service reported that three port projects at Inchudi, Bahabalpur and Chandipur in north Orissa are awaiting a green signal from the union defense ministry.

Mr Jayanarayana Mishra transport & commerce minister of Orissa said that the state government is scouting for ways to avoid the restricted areas while going ahead with the port projects. He added that the state government would study the recommendations made by IIT, Chennai, on how to avoid restricted sites and develop the ports at places earlier identified by it.

The Orissa government is striving to develop about a dozen small ports along its 480 kilometers long coastline. But, it faces hurdles from not only the defense ministry, but also some environmental organizations citing danger to the existence of rare sea creatures.

While the state government has identified at least 13 locations for developing ports, the sites are yet to get clearance from the defense & environment ministries.