TMC blames Centre for not reopening HFCL factory in Durgapur

Kirti Azad, Trinamul Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha MP for the Durgapur–Burdwan seat, has blamed the Central government for failing to reopen the closed Hindustan Fertiliser Corporation Limited (HFCL) factory in Durgapur.

He said that after becoming chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on chemicals and fertilisers about a year ago, he had written several letters to the Centre. “All the responses from the central government were very positive, yet no steps have been taken to reopen the closed central public sector unit in the state,” he said.

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“It is sheer politics, just like with the 100 days’ work scheme, the Banglar Bari scheme and other development projects. This BJP-led NDA government is deliberately obstructing the state because it is run by an opposition party like the TMC. The central government is reopening and heavily investing in fertiliser plants in other states, but in Bengal, an opposition-ruled state, it is not keen to reopen the closed factory,” alleged Kirti Jha Azad.

Fresh hopes were rekindled last year when the Centre appointed Kirti Jha Azad as chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on chemicals and fertilisers, raising expectations of the HFCL factory in Durgapur reopening after 22 years. But so far, nothing positive has happened.

The central government closed the HFCL unit in Durgapur in September 2002, and the majority of workers were released under the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS).

Recently, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) planned a Coal-to-Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) project at Sonepur Bazari in West Burdwan with an investment of about Rs 13,052.81 crore. Experts believe that such green fuel could help reopen the closed HFCL factory in Durgapur in a new avatar. The project has already been approved by the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA).

The HFCL site in Durgapur covers 541 acres, including the closed plant on 73 acres and 468 acres of idle, unused land. This land also belongs to the CPSU and faces no legal issues. There has been no encroachment.

Lakshman Ghorui, BJP MLA for Durgapur West, refuted the allegations, saying that the state government is itself unable to operate its own factories and has even closed down the loss-making Durgapur Chemicals Limited (DCL).