Modi intervenes to restart ailing FACT in 15 days
22 Dec 2014
In a major development, the centre has initiated steps, including provision of gas linkage, for immediate revival of the ailing Fertilizers And Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), on instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Minister for chemicals and fertilizers Ananth Kumar and the minister for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan held a meeting with members of Parliament from all the parties from Kerala in the Parliament House today to discuss all related issues.
The MPs said that it is first time in the last five years that such an initiative had been taken in a quick and positive manner for revival of the FACT.
Kerala MPs had met the prime minister last week and requested him to look into the issue. Modi had thereafter instructed both the ministers to take quick actions as required for revival of the unit.
After today's meeting it is hoped that this plant will restart production in about 15 days from now.
Ananth Kumar also requested all members to work for providing the right of way for laying the gas pipe line from Petronet facility at Kochi, up to Mangalore for an uninterrupted supply of gas for development of various other downstream industries alongside the pipeline.
He also pleaded with members to impress upon the government of Kerala to allow unhindered usage of over 1,000 acres of free hold land with FACT for development of other industries, including a power plant in the region.
The petroleum minister suggested that the heads of GAIL and FACT should immediately meet to discuss issues of pricing and other related issues for the gas to be supplied to the FACT. The officials agreed to meet to find solutions relating to issues by tomorrow.
Members of Parliament from Kerala, including the deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha PJ Kurien, who attended today's meeting pleaded with the government to work towards providing gas or feed-stock at a cheaper price to the FACT. They also pleaded for adequate financial settlement for the revival of this plant.
