Commerce and Transport Minister Subrat Tarai informed the Assembly on Saturday that 13 ports would be established in the State on the basis of the State Government’s Port Policy.
However, in view of objections raised by the Forest and Environment Department the State Government, the proposal of Barunei Port project has been cancelled, he said while replying to a question of BJD member Prafulla Samal and others.
The Minister said seven places have been selected in Baleswar district, two in Bhadrak district, one in Puri and three in Ganjam for setting up of ports. The second phase works of the Dhamra and Gopalpur Ports are underway.
About 670 acres of land for the proposed Subarnarekha Port has been acquired and would be transferred soon the port authorities, he also informed. Replying to the questions on the East Canal, Tarai said the canal which is stretched from Dhamra to Haldia would be restored and waterways would be linked.