Locals opposing Nanar refinery proj meet Pawar

Mumbai: A day after an MoU was signed for the petrochemical refinery project in Nanar, Konkan region, the project affected people met NCP Chief Sharad Pawar on Friday. Pawar, during the meeting, took a stand that the project should not be thrown out of the State.

The locals are opposing the project, as it would ruin Konkan’s beauty and also affect farming in Konkan. On Thursday, a consortium comprising three major oil marketing companies - IOCL, BPCL and HPCL signed an MoU with Saudi Arabian Oil Co, Saudi Aramco, for setting up India’s biggest oil refinery and petroleum products complex in Ratnagiri.

After signing of the MoU, the Nanar Action Committee (NAC) had a meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar, where Pawar said that such projects are required for the development of the State.

Pawar also assured that he personally will meet the locals on May 10 in Nanar. Meanwhile, NAC has decided to protest against the project. They may later hold an agitation at Varsha, CM’s official residence. However, CM Fadnavis said that though the consortium had an MoU with the Saudi company, Nanar project has not been mentioned in the MoU.