The two deep water coal and iron ore berths for which concession agreements have been signed at the Indian port of Paradip have so far failed to obtain environmental clearance. Theoretically, the two concessionaires should have taken over the proposed facilities within 180 days of the contracts being signed, but final approval has yet to be granted by the Environment Ministry. Both Blue Water Iron Ore Terminal and Essar Paradip Terminal are said to be unhappy with the delay.
BC