BS reported that TATA Steel has proposed to invest about INR 33.50 crore on environment protection and INR 40 crore towards corporate social responsibility activities for its industrial park coming up at Gopalpur.

During the public hearing conducted at Chamakhandi, the company said that it has already conducted the Environment Impact Assessment and prepared the Environment Management Plan for the projects.

The company proposed to devote 34% (155 acres) of its total plant area (450 area) to green cover.

The proposed project would provide employment to about 1000 persons during construction stage and about 430 persons during operation stage.

Most of the displaced persons who participated in the public hearing, were, however, not convinced about the assurance of TATA Steel and demanded higher compensation for their land lost for the steel project based on the present market value.

TATA Steel plans to set up a 400,000 tonne per annum rebar mill, 55000 tonne per annum capacity high carbon ferrochrome plant and a sea water desalination plant with a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day on around 450 acres of land at a cost of about INR 800 crore.

TATA Steel is also the anchor investor for the industrial park which is being set up on around 3000 acres. The steel maker had originally acquired this land in mid 90s to set up a steel plant, but later shelved the project.

(Sourced from BS)