image credits: fortune india
In a significant step toward addressing the absence of large-scale industrial units, the groundwork for a much-awaited mega steel plant Keonjhar has finally begun. This ambitious project, driven by the state-owned Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO), marks a turning point in Odisha’s industrial landscape. With Keonjhar holding an estimated 2.555 million tonnes of iron ore, the establishment of the mega steel plant in the district is poised to transform the district into an industrial hub.
The Mega Steel Plant Takes Shape in Keonjhar
Keonjhar district, located in northern Odisha, is endowed with rich mineral resources, particularly iron ore. Despite its wealth, the district has historically lagged in industrial development, with much of its iron ore being exported due to the absence of a major steel plant. The steel plant in Keonjhar aims to change this narrative by processing these resources locally, reducing dependency on exports, and creating value-added opportunities within the state.
The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has taken the lead in initiating the groundwork for this transformative project. The process began with IDCO sending a letter to the Water Resources Department, requesting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the identified land in Patana tehsil. This step is crucial for facilitating land acquisition, a key hurdle in large-scale industrial projects. The mega steel plant in Keonjhar requires a total of 2,500 acres of land, and significant progress has been made in identifying and securing this land.
From ArcelorMittal’s Exit to Renewed Efforts
The journey to establish a mega steel plant in Keonjhar has been fraught with challenges. In 2006, under the then BJD-led government, ArcelorMittal signed an agreement to set up a steel plant in Patana tehsil. However, the project faced stiff opposition from local communities, leading to the company’s withdrawal in 2012. This setback highlighted the complexities of balancing industrial growth with social and environmental concerns.
The current initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, reflects a renewed commitment to overcoming these challenges. After assuming office, the Chief Minister announced plans to establish the mega steel plant in Keonjhar, emphasizing the need for industrial development in the mineral-rich district.
Land Acquisition for the Mega Steel Plant in Keonjhar
Land acquisition is a critical component of the mega steel plant in Keonjhar, and IDCO has made significant progress in this regard. The initial phase of land acquisition focuses on 12 villages under Chemena RI Circle and Kantiapada RI Circle in Patana tehsil. These villages include Chemena, Bhrungarajpashi, Chilida, Angikala, Dhanurjaypur, Baradangua, Baliapashi, and Rengalabada, falling under Jamunapashi, Godipokhari, Kodakhaman, and Barudipashi panchayats.
IDCO has identified a total of 2,500 acres of land for the project, broken down as follows:
- Private land: 1,498 acres of agricultural and fallow land (no homestead land)
- Government land: 901 acres
- Rural forest land: 91 acres
The 1,498 acres of private land have been further categorized by village:
- Jamunapashi: 76.580 acres
- Angikala: 230.795 acres
- Dhanurjaypur: 55.330 acres
- Rengalabada: 52.390 acres
- Chemena: 17 acres
- Bhrungarajpashi: 29.610 acres
- Baradangua: 238.430 acres
- Barudipashi: 214.980 acres
- Chilida: 210.380 acres
- Kodakhaman: 148.230 acres
- Godipokhari: 145.120 acres
- Baliapashi: 75.770 acres
IDCO has applied for a NOC from relevant authorities, including the executive engineers of minor and lift irrigation and the chief manager of the Baitarani basin. The Revenue Department has submitted a proposal to IDCO, marking a significant step forward in the land acquisition process.
