Nayachar will be Nandigram146;s alternative: Paswan

8220;In its proposal sent to the Ministry, the West Bengal Government has submitted a proposal of about 13,000 ha to 14,000 ha. We will consider it on sympathetic grounds even though the proposal does not meet the established criteria,8221; Paswan said on the sidelines of a programme to launch the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education 038; Research NIPER here.

The Union Minister argued that out of the 25,000 ha required for a PCPIR, only 40 per cent would be for chemical processing while the rest is for infrastructure like residential colonies and colleges.

8220;I have been told that the identified land in Nayachar is an island, where there is not much population. So we do not have any problem accepting the state Government8217;s proposal,8221; Paswan added.

Paswan said the PCPIR proposal will be discussed in the Empowered Committee and then will be sent to the Cabinet for its approval.

8220;CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has asked me personally not to reject the proposal just because it does not meet the land criteria,8221; Paswan said. 8220;However, he has agreed to fulfil the requirement as early as possible.8221; The CM said the government is facing several problems in setting up the petrochemicals region. Commenting on roadblocks, Bhattacharjee said: 8220;I am an unfortunate fellow facing an irresponsible opposition in the state.8221;