The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
JAJANG, JANUARY 7, 2022
A two-day Gram Sabha held in presence of local residents, government officials and JSW authorities to obtain forest clearance for the Jajang Iron Ore Mines of JSW Steel, went off peacefully, company sources said today.
Gram Sabhas were held in Jurudi, Jajang, Jaribar, Palasa (Ka) and Bandhubeda villages over two days for conversion of the forest land. In these platforms, the needs of the local people were discussed threadbare as it involves over 4,500 people in the neighboring villages.
Bhimsen Luhar, a resident of Jajang Village said: “I support JSW. Mines here should be handed over to the company. But I urge the JSW authorities to address the drinking water issue at the household level in the area.”
The residents also requested JSW authorities to offer employment opportunities to all youths as per their capacities and qualifications. “We seek employment from the company for our local youth. They should be employed as early as possible as per their qualifications,” said Sura Thile.
Another villager Renga Majhi drew the attention over the poor health facilities available in Jajang village, while requesting the JSW authorities to facilitate ambulance services in the village for immediate response to emergencies.
Narayan Barik, a resident of Palasa (Ka), urged the authorities to facilitate the basic amenities for their village. Many people prioritised adequate drinking water facility and road communication as their basic requirements.
The company paid a patient hearing to the concerns of the villagers and assured of addressing the issues depending on the feasibility as soon as possible.
About JSW: Jindal South West Steel is among the largest steelmakers in the world with a current capacity of 24.5 MTPA. The steel giant is expanding its steel-making capacity to 36.5 MT by March 2024. In Odisha, JSW Steel operations include a 2.5 MTPA subsidiary BPSL, 30 MT iron ore mines, 5 MT cement plant and 50 MT iron ore & coal terminal at Paradip port. JSW has proposed expansion of its brownfield project from 2.5 MTPA to 10 MTPA in a phased manner. The Paradip greenfield steel plant with 13.2 MTPA capacity is proposed with a 900 MW captive power plant, 10 MT cement plant and 12 MTPA jetty at Paradip.
