In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, Bharati Shipyard Ltd (BSL) and Apeejay Shipping Ltd that are jointly developing a shipyard at Haldia have started distributing pamphlets in English, Bengali and Hindi among the locals there.

These pamphlets contain information about the Rs 2000-crore shipyard project and the offers that will be made to the landowners for acquiring 500 acres of land.

“We have started distributing pamphlets that clearly state our intention. We have decided to put everything in black and white so that there is no misconception later,” said the vice-president of BSL, Subir Chakraborty.

The awareness campaign has been launched much ahead of the actual work to begin. The proposal is currently being studied by an expert committee, which would have to submit its report before the process of acquiring land begins.

“We are planning to launch various initiatives like annuity for the aged, widows and disabled persons who are not employable any more and many such initiatives that we have stated in the pamphlets,” said Chakraborty.

The company is planning to launch other initiatives such as imparting training for the local youth and setting up new houses for the displaced.

All these programmes have been mentioned in the pamphlets.

“We met with the locals at the panchayat office and tried to address any queries that they might have despite the written document,” said Chakraborty.