Times of India | Mungantiwar to push Chanda refinery plan

Sep 26,2022

Following enthusing words by Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri with regard to the possibility of setting up a 20 million metric tonne (MMT) refinery in Chandrapur, Maharashtra forest and district guardian minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has resolved to push the proposal through the state government to the Centre.

Puri, during his maiden visit to Chandrapur, had said if the state government sends a proposal to this effect, he would take all efforts to establish a refinery in the mineral-rich district.

“The 60 MMT project in Ratnagiri would have been the largest refinery in the world and a major source of economic transformation for Maharashtra. Failure of the previous government to provide land and the subsequent derailment of the project was a great loss for the state. Although it is not decided, building three refineries of 20 MMT each would be a better option. Chandrapur with all the natural resources is an ideal place for one such project,” Puri had stated while interacting with the media here.

“The matter will be finalized at the central level. I will try my best to support the Chandrapur refinery proposal. With BJPled governments at both state and Centre, I am positive that the project will be cleared,” he had said, urging Maharashtra government to send a proposal to that effect.

Mungantiwar said, “I will meet chief minister Eknath Shinde and convince him to send a proposal for having a petroleum refinery at Chandrapur. With assurance from the Union petroleum minister, the proposal is likely to soon gain momentum,” he told TOI.

“Land in Chandrapur is much cheaper than in Mumbai or other places in western Maharashtra. The district has abundant coal and water resources. The large forest cover is ideal for absorption of pollution, if there is any. The district already has vast rail connectivity and a network of highways. An eight-lane green corridor leading up to Hyderabad is proposed through Chandrapur. Moreover, the district is going to have its own airport by next year at Murti village. Being located at the centre of the country, it is statistically the safest location in case of foreign attack, he said, while listing the advantages.