Paradip, Aug. 7: A proposed airstrip project envisaged by the state government in Paradip port town has run into rough weather.

About four years ago, the state government had initiated the process for the airstrip near Paradip. However, things have hardly moved an inch since then.

In the Bhitargada revenue village on the outskirts of the port township, the state government had earmarked 600 acres for the project.

However, the land has now been found unsuitable for the venture due to unfavourable soil condition. To make the matters worse, Paradip Port Trust (PPT), still locked in a land row with the state government, has reportedly laid its claim over the earmarked land.

Besides, the suitability of the said land had come under the scanner because two major fertiliser-manufacturing plants are located close to the proposed airstrip. It did not meet the aviation yardsticks.

Furthermore, the selected spot was a marshy wasteland. Its inherent soil condition was not conducive for aircraft take-off and landing, said official sources.

“It should not be construed that the project has been shelved. It has been put on hold for factors that were beyond our control. As airstrip is a vital ingredient considering the industrial growth of Paradip and neighbouring areas, the project still remains in the administration’s agenda. PPT is also planning to have an airstrip of its own. The state government is also intent on having an airstrip in Paradip,” Jagatsinghpur collector, Narayan Chandra Jena told The Telegraph.

Kujang tehsildar Vasudev Pradhan said: “Process is on to settle the dispute over the said land. On records, the state government has ownership of the land in Bhitargada near Paradip. PPT’s claim over it is arbitrary. We have written to PPT authorities to corroborate the ‘revenue-land’ status of land in Bhitargada village.”

While uncertainty looms over the state government’s airstrip project, on the other hand, the Paradip Port Trust authorities are giving final touches to the much-awaited airstrip of the port town. Last year, the ministry of shipping had accorded clearance for the airstrip, said a senior port official.

With the centre planning to set up a mega petroleum, chemicals and petro-chemical investment region centring around Paradip, the importance of this town has gone up manifold. Moreover, the town is also looking forward to two major steel projects, oil refinery and scores of ancillary industrial units coming up.