The Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited has welcomed the decision of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in connection with the establishment of the POSCO project near Paradip.

However, the UCCI has strongly resented the unreasonable decision taken by the Ministry of Shipping and Surface Transport extending the territorial limits of the Kolkota Port Trust.

Mr Ramesh Mahapatra UCCI president and office bearers said that better late than never the MoEF has finally given its long awaited go ahead signal to the fourth largest steel maker of the world to ground its project, with its own harbour facility.

It is a happy augury for the State. The implementation of the project will certainly usher in a sea change in the socio economic condition of the people of the State, while enriching the State coffer.

The steel giant should engage itself in CSR activities so that certain grey areas falling beyond the domain will be addressed with more vigour and meticulousness, so as to create a perceptible change in the lives of the people in the vicinity and State as a whole. The credit for the achievement though delayed goes to the dynamism of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Mr Kali P Mohanty UCCI executive director in a release said that however, expressing resentment over extending territorial limits of the Kolkota Port Trust said the unreasonable step on part of the Ministry of Shipping and Transport, is aimed at totally jeopadising the maritime interest of the State and throttle the process of industrialisation and all round growth, the State is poised for.

(Sourced from www.orissadiary.com)