October 07, 2008

Vedanta to be growth engine of Orissa – Mr Agarwal

SNS reported that unfazed by the controversies dogging his pet multi crore projects in Orissa, Mr Anil Agarwal chairman of Vedanta Group of Industries continues to be positive and excited about the projects while discussing with Mr Naveen Patnaik chief minister of Orissa.

Issues relating to availability of raw material and water were deliberated as Vedanta is to draw water from Hirakud and the bauxite from Niyamgiri which is being thrashed out at the apex court level. As far as the international university project at Puri is concerned, there have been protests over land acquisition. It is to be spread over 6000 acres of land and is planned on lines of the varsity city concept matching the best in the world.

Mr Agarwal said that "I am the engine for growth and development of Orissa. We have complied with each and every stipulation of the apex court." About the alumina plant project, he said that 5000 people have worked tirelessly for over 4 years and majority of them are locals, that’s the kind of commitment that leads to success.

Brushing aside questions on the controversies and opposition to his projects, Mr Agarwal insisted on being positive and on the issue of water from Hirakund said that that "There is enough water and agriculture will not be affected." Similarly, he seems confident of the international varsity project coming up near Puri. He said that "It is going to be much bigger than any of its kind. Preference will be given to students of the state. 25% of the seats will be reserved for meritorious students of the state and the modalities are being worked out."