SC dismisses TN plea to set up Petrochemical Park

New Delhi, Nov 16 (UNI) The Supreme Court today cleared the decks for setting up of a Petrochemical Park in Tamil Nadu spread over 7155.95 acres at a cost of Rs 30,000 crore.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran dismissed the petition filed by Ramgopal Estates Private Limited and others challenging the Madras High Court judgement upholding the acquisition of land situated 35 km from Chennai for the project.

The apex court in its order said, ''Why should we interfere with the High Court order when after all the project is for public good.

The petitions are dismissed.'' Earlier, counsel for the state had contended that all neccesary clearances had already been obtained and bulk of the land, located in villages -- Puzhudivakkam, Kattupalli, Kalanji and Voyalur -- was already in possession of the state government.

According to the state government, the project when completed would make substantial contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of the state and provide direct employment to nearly 10,000 engineers and technicians. In addition, it would provide indirect employment to 25,000 people and would be a major step in the direction of socio-economic development of the state.

UNI