Jajpur: Fly ash brick manufacturers here have threatened to stage mass protest in front of the main gate of the Jindal Stainless Limited's (JSL) plant at Kalinga Nagar owing to lack of supply of fly ash.
As per reports, when JSL was established in Kalinga Nagar of Jajpur District, it assured the brick manufacturers of sufficient fly ash supply. However, the brick manufacturers, in a press conference, alleged that JSL isn't adhering to its promise due to which the supply of fly ash is gradually declining resulting in closure of many fly ash brick manufacturing units.
Bharat Bhushan Deo, the president of the association representing the brick manufacturers said, "I want to convey the JSL authorities and the district administration that we are going to stage a protest in front of the main gate of JSL. We had issued a letter to both JSL and the ADM regarding the same matter on December 17, 2019. We are still not getting enough fly ash which is adversely affecting our industry."
He further alleged that, 'some unscrupulous JSL officials are selling fly ash in Balasore depriving the local manufacturers of the raw material."
Commenting on the issue, Ranjan Kumar Das, District Collector of Jajpur said, "JSL was regularly supplying fly ash till now. But in what circumstances they have reduced the supply is worth an enquiry. I have directed the regional officer of the Pollution Control Board to submit a report after a thorough enquiry. I will able to shed more light on the matter only after I receive the report."
Meanwhile, the JSL authorities have completely refuted the allegations. Speaking to OTV over phone, JSL's Resident Director, Sashi Bhusan Upadhyay said, "Our ash generation has come down substantially in the recent past owing to a slowdown in stainless steel industry. We are committed to supply fly ash free of cost to the ancillary industries in Jajpur district and we are doing that. We have records to prove this."