Assam would provide an additional Rs 823 crore in equity for the expansion of the Numaligarh Refinery

26 Jun 2023 , 11:06 AM

The Assam government has decided to contribute an additional equity of Rs 823 crore to the Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) Expansion Project. This investment was approved during the state cabinet meeting on Saturday, opposing the ‘Right issue of Additional Equity Share of 74809091 numbers to the state government.’

The total number of right shares, totaling 7823 crore, will be allocated to divide the sum of Rs 205.73 crore, which the government will release for the first call.

NRL has initiated a significant expansion project estimated to cost Rs 28,026 crore. This project includes expanding the refinery from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA, as well as installing a 1,398 km crude pipeline from Paradeep to Numaligarh and a 605 km product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri. The NRL expansion plan involves a state expenditure of 728,026 crore.

To address water pollution concerns, the state government has decided to incorporate the ‘Regulation for Idol Immersion’ in the Assam Rules, 2022. This will involve identifying approved and permanently protected riverbank immersion ghats. Barricades will be erected to prevent slope damage in unprotected sections. Commercial and private river vessels will not be allowed to moor or anchor in locations designated for permanent idol immersion. The Water Resources Department will construct ramps for idol immersion.

The government has also mandated that worship materials such as flowers and other items must be removed from makeshift ponds with earthen bunds along river banks before immersing an idol. The use of synthetic colors for painting idols is completely prohibited. These rules aim to reduce the use of harmful materials such as POP, chemicals, and toxic paints in idol creation, specify procedures for idol immersion, and improve the water quality of rivers, among other objectives.

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