Concerned officials of Odisha and West Bengal will meet in New Delhi on June 14 to discuss on the dispute over the limits of ports. The meeting will be held between the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) authorities and the Union Shipping Ministry officials, where a settlement of the issue is expected.
The meeting would discuss the modifications sought by the Odisha Government in the formula that was recommended by the Shipping Ministry for an amicable settlement. The Odisha Government has indicated that it is willing to accept the Ministry's formula with some modifications.
In November 2010, the Shipping Ministry had notified extension of the limits of the KoPT covering certain stretches in the Bay of Bengal bordering Odisha, but it was opposed by the Odisha Government in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court insisted on an amicable solution to the issue. Apart from the KoPT officials, those of the Dhamra Port and Paradip Port of eastern India will attend the meeting.