PM to lay foundation of Asom Gas Cracker before Bahag Bihu

Dibrugarh, Mar 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to lay the foundation of Rs 5460.61 crores Asom Gas Cracker project, christened as 'The Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Company Limited,' before Bahag Bihu on April 14.

The proposed mega project, to be set up at Lepatkota, about 16 kms from here, will act as a catalyst for the future industrial development of Asom and the North East Region. The project will convert Petro-chemical fraction of the gas into valuable polymers which are substitutes for costlier items such as wood, metal and glass, sources said.

The project has potential for down stream industries such as chemicals, paints, packaging, foam and rubbber. About thousand odd technicians will get direct employment opportunities while another one lakh will be benefitted by way of indirect employment.

The Asom government has earmarked Rs 58.17 crore in its 2007-08 annual budget, tabled in the Assembly on March 12 by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who is also holding the Finance portfolio. An amount of Rs 18 crore has already been released by the state government for acquiring land, measuring 3297 bighas, to be required for setting up the project.

The construction work of the project was allotted to Gas Authority of India Limited (Gail) with a stake of 70 per cent share.

The Asom Government, Oil India Limited and Numaligarh Refinery will have shares of ten per cent each.

The Central cabinet has cleared the mega project on April 18, 2006 while a joint venture company was formed in the name and style of ''The Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Company Limited''.

UNI