Raj ka Taj: Oil's well...

An economic revolution is in the offing. This time it’s originating from barren lands of Pachpadra, Barmer. The land which could hardly cultivate Bajra, is set to harvest million dollar oil-crop, which promises to change the contours of fortune in this part of Thar, the most populated desert in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the commencement of work at the much-awaited refinery project - a 26:74 joint venture between Rajasthan government and Hindustan Petroleum. This economic epic stars Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who envisioned Rajasthan to figure among developed states.

Chief minister Vasundhara Raje - the main ‘architect’ of this mega project has ensured that the state gains the maximum. She renegotiated the terms with HPCL and brought down the interest free loan burden of state government from Rs 3,637crore fixed by Congress government to Rs 1,123 crore saving Rs 2,514 crore.

Economic Boom

This Rs 43,000 crore 9 million tonnes per annum refinery will certainly double the per capita income of Rajasthan from Rs 76,881 to more than Rs 1.5 lakh per annum.

The refinery is likely to take 4 years before it goes to steam. Even during the construction phase it will employ more than 1 lakh people, changing the eco-demography of the region. Aparna Arora, principal secretary mines says that refinery once operational will generate job opportunities for 1 lakh people as allied industries like nylon, plastic based industries, Fertilizer plants and Pharma industries will set up their base to utilise the petroleum and its byproducts.

The story of economic transformation of Barmer started in 2004, when Cairn started oil exploration. The per capita income then was meagre Rs 13,224 (1999-2000) constant prices. Since then Barmer has not only become one of the largest contributors to the exchequer but also a strong anchor of development in entire western Rajasthan with cascading effect on Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jalore- bordering districts of Barmer.

Green Refinery

Barmer refinery is being looked upon as the most advanced and ‘eco-friendly’ refinery. Abiding by BS-VI norms, the refinery will produce fuel with less sulphur and other pollutants mixed in the crude. In 2022, when automobiles would follow BS-IV norms, this refinery will produce fuel with BS-VI norms- much ahead of time.

Political Gain

BJP is set to gain. The commencement of refinery work in the election year will definitely garner votes for the ruling party. This is a masterstroke by Raje which will counter the anti incumbency factor while instilling a belief that the chief minister is serious about the development of state. It was her rapport with petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which infused life again in this dead project.

Congress too would try to launch a tirade against Raje claiming the project to have taken shape during Gehlot regime.

“Credit should go to Raje for making this project viable. During Gehlot regime, there was a little to gain for the state government. Raje, through her connections in centre, managed to get it through on her terms and conditions,” said Rajendra Kaushik, an economist.