Chandbali: Dhamra port has set the pace for industrialisation in parts of this block in Bhadrak district, even as many industrialists are keen to set up their units along the coast and both sides of river Mantei.
Now, industrialists have set their sight on the littoral land and its water resources to be used for mineral-processing units.
Significantly, the government has started survey for the ambitious National Inland Waterways project in the area, which has given much-need boost to prospects of industrial units in steel, thermal energy, cement, chemicals and paints, petrochemicals and ship and boat manufacturing sectors.
The proposed waterway and the port will facilitate transportation of coal, iron ore, chromites, bauxite and other minerals.
Locals said, “Many industrialists are hunting for land suitable to their needs in areas like Dhamra, Kaithakhola and Karanjamala.”
Meanwhile, IDCO has formed a land bank in the above mentioned areas and acquired 528 acres of land while more land will be annexed in the bank in subsequent phases.
Locals observed that after the port was operational, the value of land in the river basin of Mantei and coastal areas of Dhamra has gone up. The unused government land and large tracts of private land, which remain unused due to entry of saline water, will be key to push industrialisation.
Sources said over 2,000 acre of private land has been acquired by some private companies. The water of Mantei will also be important for industrial units in future.
Dhamra Port Company Limited (DPCL) has been using the water of Mantei after its treatment. “As its water is becoming saline, Mantei cannot meet the requirement of the company,” revealed an official.
Mantei flows through 10 panchayats under three blocks – Chandbali, Tihidi and Basudevpur.
However, lack of bridges and road has been a drawback in some areas. The government has approved three bridges across the river at Panchutikiri, Baliapal and Charibatia ghats.
A sweet water harvesting project spread over 50 acres of land near Bansada and a wind energy project at Panchutikiri have been proposed.
Meanwhile, left wing leaders have demanded a clear-cut police on the use of river water for industrial purpose. PNN