By Our Correspondent
BARBIL/JODA/JAJANG: A two-day Gram Sabha for JSW Steel’s Jajang Iron Ore Mines to obtain forest clearance was organised peacefully in the presence of a huge number of local residents, government officials and JSW authorities.
Gram Sabha were held in four villages like Jurudi, Jajang, Jaribar, Palasa (Ka) and Bandhubeda over two days for forest land conversion. In these platform, the needs of the local people emerged as this concerns over 4500 people in the neighboring villages.
A Jajang resident Bhimsen Luhar said: “I support JSW. Mines in here should be handed over to the company. But I urge the JSW authorities to address the drinking water issues at the household level in the area.”
The residents also requested the company authorities to offer employment opportunities to all youth as per their capacities and qualifications. Resident Sura Thile said: “We seek employments from the company to our local youth. They should be employed as early as possible as per their qualifications.”
Meanwhile, Renga Majhi drew the attention over the poor health facilities available in Jajang village. Majhi requested JSW to facilitate ambulance services in the village for immediate response to emergencies.
Resident of Palasa (Ka) Narayan Barik urged the authorities to facilitate the basic amenities for the village. Many people prioritised on adequate drinking water and road construction here. The company paid a patient hearing to the concerns and assured to address issues depending on feasibility in the coming days.
Jindal South West Steel is among the largest steelmakers in the world with a current capacity of 24.5 MTPA. It is listed in S& P Dow Jones Sustainability index for emerging markets for Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) initiatives. 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.
