Post News Network
Paradip, Jan 25: Safety of thousands of people residing in Paradip Port area is in question as hundreds of houses, shanties and makeshift shops come under the conveyer belts of three firms. However, neither the civic body nor the PPT staff or the company authorities takes any measure to relocate the people.
The three beltlines belong to Paradip Phosphates Ltd (PPL), Indian Farmers’ Fertilizers Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) and Essar Steel.
The PPL’s conveyer belt was set up by the Centre in 1982. As the beltline was strongly built by cement and concrete, there was no major accident till date. Even in 1999 Super Cyclone, there was no major damage to the beltline. However, the belt has been worn out developing a number of cracks. Hazardous chemicals like sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, ammonia gas and fertilizer are transported to the port through this belt. Over a hundred houses of Brundaban Colony and Loknath colony are situated under the belt.
The beltline of IFFCO was built in 1998 with asbestos roof over iron pillars. Several accidents and fire mishaps were caused by the unsafe beltline. A huge silo complex collapsed in February, 2012. Several asbestos pieces have been hanging from the beltline. Wastes materials and chemicals come out through cracks on the beltline near Nehru Bungalow road and river Kaudia. The most accident-prone area, however, is Bijaychandpur slum, which comes under the same beltline.
The beltline of Essar Steel is built by iron and concrete. Hundreds of shanties in a 2 km distance are located under the belt. People still build houses on government land under the beltline. When the work of the belt was started, the slum-dwellers protested against it. However, the company managed to get the work done by allegedly greasing the palms of some influential people and slum leaders.
Surendra Mahant alleged there are several instances when houses caught fire due to sparks on the belt during transportation of ore. Jagannath Haldar, another resident, said several parts of the belt have been corroded due to the saline environment. There is every possibility that it may cave in. People here live under constant fear. But, they cannot change the place due to their poor financial condition.
Paradip civic body chief Manjulata Jena said even though they are aware of the matter, it is difficult to relocate so many people due to dual administration.