Jindal Steel’s projects worth `22,000-cr get green signal in East Singhbhum

Paths have been cleared for setting up of Jindal Steel and Power Limited’s (JSPL’s) proposed 6 million tonne integrated steel plant and 1320 MW captive power plant projects worth around `22, 000 crore at Asanboni in Potka Block of East Singhbhum.

A majority of villagers and landowners favoured the project during a public hearing of the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) on Saturday.

This will be the second steel plant after Tata Steel’s 10 MT plant in Jamshedpur, which is around 30 to 40 kms away from the new project.

Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL) also has proposed a 3 MT steel plant, along with 900 MW power plant worth `12,000 crore in Potka, for which around 1390 acres land is required.

The company has promised to provide direct employments to 66,000 people, besides 7,500 contractual jobs.

The company has also decided to spend `1,000 crore annually on public welfare as corporate social responsibility.

However, before the public hearing, a clash took place between the two groups of villagers, which was later brought under control by the police team.

“Majority of villagers are in favour of the project. We have recorded the statements and will submit the report shortly,” additional deputy collector Ganesh Kumar told Hindustan Times.

JSPL vice president Naresh Kumar said that they were looking for the 1778 acres land, which was required for the plants.

The company has set a target to finish the project within 48 to 60 months.

“We have already acquired 285 acres of private land and hope to get the required 1332 acres land,” said Kumar.

“We have submitted a detailed plan to JSPCB and will set up a world class environment management equipment,” said Kumar.

JSPCB regional officer RN Choudhury, additional superintendent of police Shailendra Barnwal, sub-divisional officer Prem Ranjan were present during the hearing.