Saturday, September 8, 2007

Mamata - You are the brick in the wall - You need education

Mamata stop misinforming the public !!
Dear Readers,

Yesterday we signed off on the note that we shall come back with expert opinion on the Chemical Hub. Today we have for you all critical questions answered by the experts who know it all. The questions deal with all aspects – starting from the need of a chemical hub, to why West Bengal has been chosen, how it will benefit the people by way of employment and otherwise, to the most important question of all - safety of having a chemical hub.

We for one do not doubt the experts and like Mamata would not like to infringe into territory unknown, specially subjects which are highly specialized. Mamata has her own agenda – To oppose any and everything that would lead to progress and a better life for millions in Bengal. Our perspective is different - We want to see a flourishing Bengal.

At the end, dear readers we leave you to decide on your own once you have read the answers given below:

What is Chemical Hub?

It’s an integration of chemical, petrochemicals and other related industries under one roof. The end product of one can be used as the raw material of another industry.

Is chemical hub a new concept?
Not at all. When the petrochemical project was set up in Haldia, it was decided that the project would be expanded. This 60’s thought is now being implemented.

Why is there a need of a Chemical Hub?

India’s production of petrochemical products is much less than any other countries in the world. Hence, we have to import petrochemical products. However, it’s important to reduce this dependency on import. This industry not only caters to our daily requirements, but also plays a significant role in increasing the economy of the state/country.

What are the products?

All the bi products of Naphtha based chemicals are made into Polymer, Textiles, Synthetic Rubber, Engineering instruments, Milk Packet, Mobile Cover, medicines etc.



Are the Western countries pressurizing the hub to be set up in India?

It is really hilarious the situation is quite opposite. If we become self-sufficient we would not have to import products from Western Countries.


Why West Bengal?
Geographically, it’s suitable. West Bengal is one the seven states that feature in the list prepared by a high-powered committee of the Government. Haldia already has a petrochemical industry. Moreover there is the advantage of having a port.

Employment Opportunities?
Around 1-lac direct and indirect job opportunities.

Total Investment required?
Initial investment of Rs.12, 000 crores is required for setting up infrastructure. IOC is willing to invest Rs.20, 000 cr. Deep-sea port will also be set up. More investments to follow once the hub is set up. Such huge investments would translate as excellent infrastructure and overall economic development of the state for one and all.

Is it possible to set up the hub at Nayachar?
There is no problem in setting up a hub on an island. A petrochemical hub was set up six years ago in Singapore with an investment of 200 million dollars.

How reasonable is the apprehension about the environment?

No project is set up without the environment clearance. There is no reason for apprehension. Many people have opposed the use of plastic. But the steering wheel of the car that they ride in is also made of plastic! From toothbrush to water pipes everything is made up of plastic.

Friday, September 7, 2007

YET ANOTHER BATTLE LOST FOR MAMATA

More Good News For West Bengal – Chemical Hub


It was a sigh of relief for lakhs of Bengalis across the state when the All party Meet on the proposed chemical hub, came to an end on 3rd Sept. People had been waiting for some good news and it came – All the political parties in the state had given their go ahead for the chemical hub, and now it was to be set up in Nayachar. Smiles lit up on every face as this news poured in. For Bengal, this was the next piece of - Good News, the last being – when the Tata’s chose the state for their small car unit. The go ahead for the chemical hub, translates for the common man as - more employment, more money and better infrastructure. In a nutshell a better lifestyle - a lifestyle that everyone wants to have – a standard of living which today more then half of the population are enjoying in the central, northern and southern parts of the country, but Bengal is still aspiring for it. The sole reason – Industrialization, which in turn brings in overall progress, has escaped Bengal. But now it seems everything will change for a better Bengal. But surely, you will always have one detractor – Mamata Bannerjee who would throw mud at any attempt towards progress for West Bengal.But by now, the people of Bengal have realized what’s good for them, and don’t pay heed to useless canker thrown up by self styled activists and politicians. At the end - empty words don’t feed anybody.

To know more about the proposed chemical hub, we took upon ourselves to send a questionnaire to chemical scientists and await the answers. Once the answers are in we shall post it for all of you.