Projects to be implemented in Odisha in next 5 yrs, making the ‘Energy Gateway’ for east India

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan met Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar. The Petroleum Minister apprised the Chief Minister about various projects in Petroleum & Natural Gas sector that are at different stages of implementation in the state.

Shri Pradhan mentioned that Odisha will receive about Rs. 1 lakh crore worth of investment during the coming 5 years in petrochemicals , Oil & gas pipelines, LNG & LPG terminals, Strategic oil reserve, etc., including Rs. 34,000 crore invested in Paradip Refinery. Odisha will be one of the few states which will have gas from three sources- imported LNG, domestic natural gas and Coal Bed Methane(CBM). All these steps shall make Odisha the ‘Energy Gateway’ for Eastern India. 

These projects will change the Industrial landscape of Odisha. These projects put together will generate employment opportunity for more than 50,000 youth of the state. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is also setting up Hydrocarbon Skill Sector Council which, inter alia, will develop skill and entrepreneurship of youth in trades specific to P&NG sector. One of the Regional Centers for development of skill and entrepreneurship will be set up in Odisha, which will cater to the skill needs of the youth of Odisha and the other states of the Eastern region. 

The Minister sought the cooperation of the State Government in facilitation of land acquisition, environment & forest clearances, law & order and other statutory approvals for smooth implementation of the projects. All these initiatives will boost economic development of Odisha significantly. 

Shri Pradhan offered to extend all possible support on behalf of the Government of India for the successful celebration of Nabakalebara in 2015. He also stated that the tourist amenities at the Konark Sun Temple Complex, developed by IndianOil Foundation, will be completed before the Nabakalebara.