Amid speculation that work on the stalled Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (RRPCL) project, touted as the world’s largest single location refinery complex, is set to be resumed at a different location, an anti–oil refinery rally has been organised at Rajapur tehsil in Maharashtra’s coastal Ratnagiri district on Wedensday.
Following locals’ opposition to the refinery at the original location in Ratnagiri’s Nanar village, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had announced that the State government will not push for the project. Prior to becoming CM, Mr. Thackeray in his capacity as Shiv Sena party president had extended support to the people protesting against the refinery. But recent developments and statements from Sena leaders, including Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray, have indicated change in the party’s stand and resumed the talk of setting it up at a different location called Barsu–Solgaon in Ratnagiri.
The RRPCL is a joint venture by Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. Aramco and Adnoc hold 50% stake as per the agreement singed in 2018.
Asked about the project during his tour in Konkan, the State Environment Minister said, “Any decision will be taken after taking into consideration the sentiments of the locals and discussing issues with them. The locals will be taken into confidence and only then further action will be taken.” The anti–project group claimed that Mr. Thackeray did not meet them despite seeking his time but instead met a pro–group led by local Sena MLA Rajan Salvi.
According to sources within the Sena, the local Sena leaders are in favour of going ahead with the project though none are open about it. Mr. Salvi said the final decision will be taken by the Chief Minister. The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) local leadership is in favour of the project saying it will bring development to the region while the Congress has said it will support if locals are not against it.
The Konkan Vinashkari Prakalp Virodhi Samiti and local village groups have begun mobilising people against the alternate site. “Our protest march on Wednesday is a first step and any attempt to force this project upon us will be opposed and we will not let Konkan destroyed,” said Satyajit Chavan of the samiti.
Mr. Chavan said since the Sena has now changed its stand and no political party supports them, the anti–project group will give a political answer by entering elections in the upcoming local body polls. “These parties understand only the language of electoral defeats. We will ensure that those who support the project will get defeated in elections,” he said.
