Assam seeks long-term fix for BCPL, eyes sustainability without state aid: CM Sarma

The Assam government is prioritising a solution aimed at making Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd (BCPL) sustainable without government assistance, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on June 17.

Speaking at a prress conference, he said, "There are many challenges and we have been discussing those."

The BCPL is the largest petrochemical complex in the Northeast. Under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, it was commissioned in January, 2016.

The BCPL is the largest petrochemical complex in the Northeast. Under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, it was commissioned in January, 2016.

The plant produces and transports various grades of high-quality polymers across the country. GAIL (India) Limited, its major shareholder, is marketing the products of BCPL.

Sarma said the company had asked for land at Paradip in Odisha for its use and the state government is trying to obtain it.

"Replacing CISF with Assam Police (as the force securing the installation) will save Rs 8-9 crore, and we have issued instructions for the purpose. We are also in talks with a group to make the finished products here as it will strengthen the industry," he added.

The chief minister said the project will be closed down if government help is not provided.

"Both the central and state governments are now helping. But we have to think of a permanent solution," he added.

The project at Lepetkata in Dibrugarh is an outcome of the 1985 Assam Accord, aimed at the socio-economic development of the entire northeastern region.

On Dibrugarh becoming the 'second capital' of the state, Sarma said, "In keeping with our announcement, I have been coming here every month. I was here since June 14 and will return today." He said the chief minister's office continued functioning from here during the period, ensuring that no work was hampered.

Asked about the schedule for elections of various autonomous councils, Sarma said the Bodoland Territorial Council polls will be held in September.

It will be followed by Silchar Municipal Corporation elections in October, and polls for Mising and Sonowal autonomous councils in November-December.

Regarding Mottock and Moran autonomous bodies' polls, Sarma said amendments are needed to the existing laws to ensure that people of only the respective communities can vote.

"The cabinet will soon approve the amendments. These are sensitive topics, hence we do not want to rush them. We are taking it slow to ensure there are no problems," the chief minister added.