Dahej: Addressing a gathering at Oil and Natural Gas Corproation(ONGC)’s Petro Additions Limited(OPaL) Petrochemicals complex at Dahej Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region(PCPIR), Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said: ‘Dahej has become mini-India. There could be rarely some district of India from where someone has not come to Dahej. Gujarat has been known for trade and entrepreneurship culture across the India and the world, and Dahej and Bharuch have contributed to it too.’

‘As a Chief Minister, I had opportunities to visit this area for number of times. I would brainstorm on development of this area, would plan new projects and give them boost. It was my constant effort. I have seen this area growing brick by brick and step by step. I have seen that all with my eyes. For last 15 years, Gujarat government has employed huge efforts for development of Dahej.As a result of this, Dahej has achieved important position as industrial area in entire country. It was the result of Gujarat government’s constant efforts that Dahej SEZ could achieve the position in the world’s top 50 Special Economic Zones(SEZs). This was the first Industrial area in India that entered into the world ranking spectacularly. In 2011-12 Dahej SEZ ranking was 23. Even today, Dahej has special position among all SEZs globally. It has achieved global presence and for any Indian and Gujarati this is a very big achievement. This area provides employment to lakhs of citizens of India. So far, more than Rs 40,000 crore investment has taken place here. I congratulate all of those associated with shining success of this SEZ. Gujarat government has always taken infrastructure development in Dahej and surrounding area seriously due to which when discussion started to develop four petrochemical investment regions in India, Dahej was placed among them.’

‘Due to PCPIR, more than 1.25 lakh persons are employed here out of which 32,000 are directly associated to it. As per an estimate, at full capacity this PCPIR will provide employment to around 8 lakh people. Economic activities will go up further. Dahej has become a vibrant industrial place. It is like a kid that I have seen growing up before my eyes. And therefore I have emotional connect to Dahej naturally.’

‘OPal is a star of Dahej SEZ and PCPIR. It is like an anchor unit here. It is the biggest petrochemical plant of the country. Rs 30,000 crore has been investment in this one plant which is very big.’

‘In India, per capita consumption of polymers 10 kg today while globally it is 32 kg. When middle class is expanding, income is going up, cities are witnessing progress, per capita consumption of polymer is going to increase. Polymer products are present in every sector be it irrigation, automotive, infrastructure, healthcare and more. OPal will make big contribution to Smart City initiative. As per an estimate, OPal will satisfy 13% of total need of polymer in India by 2018 which is next year. Increase in polymer use will reduce traditionally used materials like wood, metal, paper etc. It will help us to protect our natural resources. Petrochemicals sector is expanding speedily. In next two decades it will grow at the rate of 12-15%. This sector will grow even bigger.’

Prime Minister in his speech stressed for environment protection. He said, “environmental protection is another important thing. We have to expand the projects by using new technology, to ensure that environment is not damaged. Development and environment are not contrary to each other. Development and expansion of environment both are possible at the same time. There should be no compromise with environment. Dahej has been environment friendly and I have full faith that Dahej SEZ will also remain environment friendly.”

DeshGujarat