By Express News Service
BHUBANESWAR – JSW Utkal Steel Ltd. received Monday’s environmental clearance (EC), from Ministry of Environment & Forest and Climate Change. This was in relation to the setting up of a greenfield integrated, integrated steel plant of 13.2Mtonne per year (MTPA) crude steel in Jagatsinghpur.
JSW Steel Ltd’s wholly-owned subsidiary, the company proposes to invest Rs 65,000 crore in the steel plant and Rs 2,100 in captive jetties. The captive jetties will have a handling capacity of 52 MTPA. According to the EC report this mega project will provide employment opportunities for 72,000 people (direct-15,000 or indirect-57,000).
The MoEF cleared the largest steelmaking project in the country in recent years. The company stated that phase-wise work on the project will begin when the land is transferred to them by the State government.
After successful public hearings the Ministry granted the EC. Despite local opposition, the project was stopped by residents from Dhinkia and other nearby villages. JUSL has allocated a budget of about Rs 200 crore to social interventions in public health, education and skill development, environment, drinking water, and women empowerment.
Based on the EIA, the company plans to invest capital in environment protection and mitigation. It has proposed an annual recurring expense of Rs 200 crore towards environmental protection.
The Ministry has requested that the steel maker give publicity to the environmental clearance. This includes the environmental conditions, safeguards and costs at the company cost. The information should be available at company website permanently. The company will provide copies of the EC for display to the heads of local panchayats, municipal bodies, and other relevant offices of the government within 30 days of receipt.
Objectors can appeal against the EC at the National Green Tribunal (NGT), within thirty days of the notification. This is required by Section 16 of NGT Act (2010). Chief Minister Naveen Patel, chair of the High Level Clearance Authority, approved the JSW megaproject proposals in June 2017. The project capacity was later increased to 13.2 MTPA.
PROJECT PLAN
The company proposes to invest Rs. 65,000 crore
It has allocated a budget of approximately Rs 200 crore to social interventions
72,000 jobs will be created by the project.
Company asked to create a greenbelt covering 372 hectares. Complete plantation within three years
