EAS Sarma Decries Move To Allot Wetlands At Mulapeta For Petrochem Complex

Mulapeta in Srikakulam district where the State wants to have a petrochemical complex is in an ecologically sensitive area around the Bhavanapadu Creek. It is reported that a vast stretch of thousands of acres of land, including salt pan lands and lands originally allotted to the now defunct East Coast Energy Pvt Ltd (ECEOL for a thermal power plant, would be acquired for it - social activist, former IAS officer EAS Sarma

Visakhapatnam: The move to set up a petrochemical complex at Mulapeta in Srikakulam district has been strongly opposed by noted social activist and former IAS officer EAS Sarma.

Sarma, who lodged a complaint with Chief Secretary K Vijayanand against the move threatening to take legal action if a petrochemical complex is established in the area, told Bizz Buzz on Thursday that the attempts will endanger the fragile ecosystem of the region.

"Mulapeta in Srikakulam district where the State wants to have a petrochemical complex is in an ecologically sensitive area around the Bhavanapadu Creek. It is reported that a vast stretch of thousands of acres of land, including salt pan lands and lands originally allotted to the now defunct East Coast Energy Pvt Ltd (ECEOL for a thermal power plant, would be acquired for it," he said.

He said ECEPL lands are a part of a wetland system prohibited from industrial use and also covered by an National Green Tribunal (NGT) order. This apart, diversion of such land for private industry will deprive local people of their livelihoods. The State should therefore tread cautiously in the matter, he said.

During his Davos trip and interactions at the World Economic Forum annual meeting, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met and asked Muhammad Taufiq, President & Group CEO of Petronas and invited him to invest in the emerging petrochemical hub at Mulapeta. He also wanted Petronas to set up a Global Capability Center in AP.

The State Government had earlier asked BPCL to establish a refinery and petrochemical complex at Mulapeta. Mulapeta was shown as one among three probable locations offered by the government to BPCL for its Rs95,000-crore investment plan. BPCL finally has zeroed in on a site at Ramayapatnam in Nellore district, for which its board has approved Rs6,100-crore outlay for pre-project activities.

Sarma said NGT in its judgement dated April 13, 2022 (OA No. 153/2016 had directed the State Government to identify all wetlands and conserve them.