The Centre has denied that the Gas Cracker Project has suffered delays claiming that the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymers Limited (BCPL) would start production according to schedule by 2012. In reply to a Lok Sabha question by Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizer, Bijoy Krishna Handique gave a detailed account of the works undertaken by BCPL and the status of acquisition of land and payment of compensation. The Minister said the process of land acquisition and payment of compensation have been completed. The Government of Assam has informed that 1108 acres of land for the Gas Cracker Project and 400 bighas for project township and 70 bighas of land for CISF colony has already been acquired. The State Government has released Rs 58.17 crore for payment of compensation to Deputy Commissioner, Dibrugarh who has already paid compensation. Another Rs 1.54 crore for rehabilitation of 66 families is sanctioned and is being released. In addition, Rs 61.28 lakh is also being released for payment of compensation to 22 families, who were left out. About acquisition of 70 bigha of land for CISF colony and 400 bigha for township, payment have already been made by BCPL and the land has already been handed over to the company, Handique informed. Award for topographical and Geo-technical survey works and for site office works have been completed. The feedstock supply agreement with Oil India Limited (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and ONGC has been signed. Finalisation of contract for various licensors is under progress, Handique said. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the BCPL last April and the Rs 5460.61 crore project is scheduled to be completed within 60 months from the date of start of project work. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dinsha Patel said a provision of Rs 2138 crore and Rs 908.91 crore have been made for capital subsidy and feedstock subsidy, respectively. The OIDB has granted in-principle approval for a term loan of Rs 327 crore. The EIL has been selected as Project Management Consultant.