Jajpur: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has directed the authorities of Jajpur Cement Private Limited (JCPL) to hold public hearing for its proposed manufacturing unit in Kalinganagar Industrial Estate in this district.
This 1.5 MT unit will be the third cement factory in Kalinganagar after Emami Cement and JSW Cement.
Significantly, OSPCB, in its letter no-9122 dated July 31, 2018 has asked JCPL to furnish project details in both English and Odia languages for better understanding of the locals.
Meanwhile, it is alleged that RAMCO, another cement manufacturing company, which is setting up its unit at a place beyond the industrial estate limits, was not asked to hold public hearing. The company is being given the relief under the patronage of some top officials of the government, it is alleged.
OSPCB had granted permission to RAMCO to set up its factory in October last year after fulfillment of several criteria. It was asked to obtain clearance under water and air pollution rule three months ahead of its production. The panel, in a special clause, asked the company to obtain environmental clearance for its project. According to sources, environmental clearance is given after the company receives public support through a public hearing. However, the company was given relief in this account and it is likely to start production after three to four months. The pollution body has failed to initiate action against this cement company that has base outside the state due to the interference of administrative officials, it was alleged. A local people’s representative also helps the company, according to well-placed sources.
This Tamil Nadu-based company is setting up its cement grinding unit with an investment of Rs 440 crore at Haridashpur under Dharmashala block. But several irregularities have been committed during acquisition of land, it was alleged.
While the lands were not acquired through Idco, the company has also not sought the permission of the district land acquisition committee. This would deprive the land losers of compensation by the company. Though locals have been staging protests demanding immediate closure of the factory, their pleas have fallen on the deaf ears of the administration, alleged a local.
According to a survey, more than 15,000 people of many villages including Batijanga, Teller, Thanual, Jogada, Muraripur, Nanpur, Haridaspur, Udanga, Bajabati, Bhaturuposhi and Rathia are likely to be affected by air pollution.
It is extremely unfortunate that a public hearing has not been staged even as interest of so many people is involved, said locals.
RAMCO general manager Sudhanshu Gantayat said as the unit is being set up along the railway track there is no possibility of pollution. Hence, there is no need of public hearing for the project, he added.
PNN
