Joda: People in Badakalimati under Joda mining circle in Keonjhar district have accused Essar Steel of reneging on its promises. Resentment is brewing over the issue and those affected by the project are preparing for a stir against the company.
Land losers like Rabindra Khamania, Madanmohan Behera, Bharat Barik and Dushmant Pradhan alleged that the Essar Steel plant at Dubuna is drawing water from Baitarani and supplying water mixed with minerals through pipelines to Paradip.
The company had signed an agreement with land losers for its project. As per the agreement, the firm had promised to make provisions for electricity, roads, employment for locals, arrange school buses, provide free healthcare, take anti-pollution measures and take measures for restoration of creeks apart from other development projects.
The company has shown in its records that 602 locals were engaged at the plant. But it has not restored the Dubuna creek flowing nearby. The company has been transporting minerals in hundreds of trucks every day damaging roads, locals said.
The people submitted a written complaint at Bamebari police station. They warned of an agitation if the company fails to fulfil the demands of locals.
Mithilesh Thakur, an officer of the corporate affairs department of Essar Steel, said the firm is facing a slowdown. “The plant may be sold as it has defaulted on loans,” he added.
PNN
