HC asks IOC to cooperate with expert panel

Allowing a prayer of the panel, the High Court asked the Committee to submit its report positively by January 18. The HC also asked IOC which is constructing its intake well in the islet for its oil refinery at Paradeep, to furnish all records and documents as sought by the Committee.

The five-member Committee headed by a former chief engineer of irrigation department had urged the High Court on Tuesday seeking at least three more weeks to record the views of all stakeholders on the issue and submit its report.

The Committee had also brought to the notice of the High Court that IOC had refused to furnish the project report of the intake well to it saying it was not imperative for the panel to see the project report before reaching a conclusion.

The Nationalist Lawyers` Forum in a PIL had alleged that if construction was allowed in the islet, it would spell doom for Cuttack which is surrounded by rivers from three sides.