BPSL receives green signal for Rs 9090 crore crude steel expansion project

Indian steel giant Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd (BPSL) has received environment clearance for Rs 9,090-crore crude steel expansion project in Odisha.

To meet rising steel demand, the company has proposed to enhance production capacity of crude steel from 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 5.5 MTPA and captive power from 560 MW to 710 MW at its premises in Sambalpur district.

"The Union Environment Ministry has given the final environment clearance to the BPSL' expansion project recently based on the recommendations of an expert committee," a senior government official said.

The approval of the expansion project, which is estimated to cost Rs 9,090 crore, is subject to certain riders, the official noted.

BPSL has been asked to implement all commitments made during the public hearing held in February this year. It has been informed to earmark Rs 458 crore towards the Enterprise Social Commitment for 10 years for implementing activities based on the public hearing issues.

Besides, the company has been directed to provide solar lights on streets, at villages and parking areas, and LED lights in offices and residential areas. It has also been asked to develop green belt in at least 33 per cent of the project area. In addition, it would also ensure supply of fly ash to cement and brick manufacturers.

The Ministry official further said that the company has informed that it has already acquired 284 hectares required for the expansion.

The ore for the plant would be procured from local e-auctions and the raw material will be transported through rail or road.

The water requirement of the project would be met from backwater reservoir of Hirakud Dam from the present allocation. Power requirement for the expansion project is estimated at 236 MW, which the company has said would be met from captive generation.

The company has been told that around 105 households should be rehabilitated with adequate compensation and preference in employment, the official added.