(a) whether the Government proposes to revive/strengthen the Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL), Cochin in Kerala to improve their operation;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government also proposes to undertake projects for modernisation and expansion of Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL), Cochin in Kerala; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI NIHAL CHAND)
a) & b) M/s FACT Engineering & Design Organisation (FEDO) has been engaged for preparing a revival study report of HOCL.
c) & d) An amount of Rs.15 crore has been allocated as Plan Loan in BE 2014-15 for HIL to manufacture Pendimethalin at Kochi Unit. Pendimethalin is a herbicide used in pre-mergence and post-mergence applications to control annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds.