September 08, 2008

TATA Steel hopes to commission Kalinga Nagar steel plant in 2010

BS reported that TATA Steel hopes to start the construction of its proposed steel project at Kalinga Nagar soon aiming to commission it by 2010. Mr HM Nerurkar COO Steel of TATA Steel said that “Orissa plant is very important for the future plans of the company and we wish to make it functional by 2010.”

Mr Nerurkar however said that it would depend on the cooperation and support of the local people. He said that if people come forward in support of the project then the company can start the construction in October 2007.

He pointed out that some families are still resisting the construction of the plant. He said “There are some misunderstandings regarding the resettlement of the displaced families. Initiatives are being taken to sort out the problems. My colleagues are working hard to sort out things there and within a short period of time we will succeed and build the plant.”

Dispelling the apprehension regarding the rehabilitation of the displaced families, he said that the company has the innovative concept of TATA Parivar under which every displaced family will be looked after for five years and TATA Steel will also monitor the standard of living of the displaced families and this will be certified by the social audit. Besides, the TATA group as a part of its centenary celebration will launch a major program for the states that the company is currently operating. He emphasized that this is going to benefit the tribal people of Orissa.

TATA Steel, which signed the MoU with Orissa government on November 17th 2004, is facing resistance from local tribals for its proposed 6 million tonne per annum integrated green field steel plant in Kalinga Nagar.