Hope for ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel ’s plant in Kendrapara rekindled after Odisha govt's notification 

With the Revenue Department issuing a notification prohibiting the sale, purchase or transfer of land in Badatubi mouza of Kendrapara district, the hope for the establishment of a steel plant by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) has been rekindled. 

When the AMNS announced the setting up of its plant in Andhra Pradesh, it was feared that the hope of Kendrapara getting its first industry would remain a hope only. Now, the notification has brought cheers to the faces of the people of the district. 

As per the notification, the sale, purchase or transfer of land in Badatubi mouza of Kendrapada district has been prohibited as the land acquisition process for 383 acres of land required for the proposed plant has been started. 

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“A public hearing meeting was held here where we told we would be happy if Mittal establishes a plant because it will generate employment. If suitable compensation is given, we are ready to give away our lands,” said Tushar Kant Sarddar, former Sarpanch.  

“We organised the public hearing meeting successfully. We also held an expert committee meeting. Now the government has issued a notification,” informed Nilu Mohapatra, ADM, Kendrapara. 

When there was suspense over AMNS’s plant in Kendrapara, the Opposition had cornered the government accusing it of not being able to bring AMNS to Odisha. Then the government reiterated that no industry would return from Odisha. 

“Our government is trying to speed up the process for not only AMNS but also for all those projects which were shelved in the previous government’s time,” said Industries Minister Sampad Swain. 

About the AMNS’s steel plant, the Minister informed that the construction of a road for the plant is being carried out, a DPR is being prepared for the railway line and work has been started to provide electricity within 18 months. Once the Environmental Clearance is received, the project work will proceed.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the government has applied to acquire 712.52 acres of land in areas such as Kharnasi, Badatudi, Sanatubi, Saralikuda, Hetamundia, Nipania, Nahakuda, Batighara, Barakolikhala, Banabiharipur and Hariabanka in Mahakalpada tehsil. 

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In the first phase, about 100 acres of land from Kharnasi village has already been transferred to IDCO after acquiring them by holding a public hearing meeting. 

“The plant is going to be set up there. The local people are also happy and very supportive,” said Durga Prasad Nayak, MLA of Mahakalpada.