A public hearing was held here on Wednesday for environmental clearance for expansion of the IFFCO Paradip plant and production of liquid urea.
The hearing was chaired by Paradip ADM Kanhu Charan Dhir in the presence of Odisha State Pollution Control Board Regional Officer Pushkar Chandra Behera. Representatives of local people, environmentalists, social workers and voluntary organisations presented their views.
Almost a majority welcomed establishment of IFFCO plant and appreciated the environmental development and public welfare activities undertaken by the IFFCO during natural calamities.
On the other hand, Baburam Chowdhury, president of Kujang Naba Nirman Krushak Sangha and the villagers of Nuagarh who have lost their land opposed the move.
The proposed plant would produce liquid fertilisers instead of urea and other chemical fertilisers. Instead of 50 kg of fertiliser, only 50 ml of liquid fertiliser can produce more crops and the plant would not pollute water, soil or air, informed the authorities.
The meeting was attended by IFFCO administrative officer Prasanna Kumar Beura and other senior officials.Police forces were present to maintain law and order.