Bhubaneswar, March 3: The Orissa government today lodged a protest with the Union ministry of shipping over an expansion plan of Calcutta Port Trust, which, if approved, would encroach on areas along Orissa’s northern coast that have been earmarked for seven upcoming ports.

The protest was lodged during a meeting convened by the ministry of shipping in New Delhi in which a delegation led by Orissa chief secretary Bijay Patnaik presented the state’s case.

Secretary of the commerce and transport Gagan Dhal said: “We have submitted documents that show how the CPT is trying to encroach on the Orissa coast. All CPT’s actions, including a tender regarding trans loading, would be put on hold for one month following today’s discussion.”

During today’s meeting, Patnaik told central officials that “the revised port limits overlap the entire coast of north Orissa where seven new ports are being developed. It was notified by the Orissa government as per law, prior to the CPT notification on October 22, 2010.”

Patnaik also said, “CPT’s notification would jeopardise the state’s efforts to develop the maritime sector and impact the industrial and economic development of the state.” The officials urged the Union minister to withdraw the permission without delay.

Another Orissa government official, the special secretary, transport and commerce, Guru Charan Ray, said the issue would be examined by the Centre.