MINING AND INDUSTRIALISATION UPDATE ORISSA

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION ON INDUSTRIES AND MINING IN ORISSA

LIST OF CONTENTS
Editorial News Items Public Hearings during Oct 06 Pending Projects with MOEF for Environmental Clearance Pending Projects with MoEF for Forest Clearance Pending Projects with State Government Approved Projects for Environmental Clearance Approved Projects for Forest Clearance Projects In-Principle Stage of Clearance Rejected Projects Clearance Letters Environmental Clearance Letters 25 31 33 35 36 37 38 40 41 1 3 24

Vol. 2, No. 2, October 2006

Zones. In addition, 42 approvals and in addition to that, 354 In-principle approvals have been given for setting up of Special Economic Zones in various parts of the country. These zones are going to be spread across thousands of hectares of common lands, forest areas, coastal areas and even on fertile agricultural lands. State Governments are using the draconian Land Acquisition Act, 1984, to acquire land from farmers and pass it on to the companies setting up SEZs. SEZs have been called the biggest land grab policy in history of our nation. Regional protests have been building up against the forceful land acquisition by the State Governments for Special Economic Zone projects. The "incentives" offered to industries under the SEZ Act reveals the nexus between Government and industrialists at the cost of local marginalized people and the environment. Issues of local livelihoods, environmental destruction, revenue loss and labour exploitation have been raised from several quarters. The units inside the SEZ would be free from environmental restrictions. They would be given full exemption from electricity duty and would be exempted from State sales tax, Octroi, mandi tax or any other duty / cess. Moreover, the States must ensure that the basic inputs like water, electricity & other services would be extended to all these units inside the SEZ. Is it not paradoxical that the Government levies numerous taxes on sale of NTFPs like Kendu Leaf (by poor forest dwellers who do this for their sustenance) but exempts the mega industrial projects from all sorts of duty / taxes; is it not ironical that the Government imposes heavy cess & taxes on water and electricity to poor farmers (who are already suffering due to severe water scarcity) but directs the State Government to provide these very resources free of cost to the large industrial units in the SEZ? That SEZs will bring in prosperity and growth to the few rich Urban Indians (who are interested in amassing wealth through investment in SEZ units) and leave behind the rest of the natives of this country in penury is an open secret. As it is rightly said by George Orwell (Animal Farm) - All are born equal but some are more equal than others.. - Editor

Maliparbat Bauxite Mining Project of M/s Hindalco Industries Ltd located in Village Aligaon-Kankaramba in Pottangi Tehsil of Koraput District in Orissa. Utkal Coal Project Block C (3.37 MTPA) of M/s Utkal Coal Ltd., located in village Raijharan, Tehsil Chendipada, District Angul, Orissa
Environmental protection Group, Orissa 49

EDITORIAL
The Government of India have introduced a policy in April 2000 for setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the country. The SEZs are specifically delineated duty-free enclaves treated as a foreign territory for the purpose of industrial, service and trade operations. SEZs are supposed to have exemption from customs duties and a more liberal regime in respect of other levies and foreign investment. For creating a hassle free environment, domestic regulations, restrictions and infrastructure inadequacies are proposed to be eliminated in the SEZs. The SEZ Policy provides for setting up of SEZ's in the public, private, joint sector or by State Governments. It was also envisaged that some of the existing Export Processing Zones would be converted into Special Economic Zones. Accordingly, the Government has converted 8 Export Processing Zones into Special Economic

CLEARED PROJECTS IN OCTOBER 2006

PROJECTS THAT HAVE OBTAINED ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE Environmental Clearance granted on 5th Oct 2006 for opening a new coal mine Utkal Block C Coal Project for captive consumption of the existing ferroalloy/captive power plant at Chowdar, Cuttak. The total mine lease is 576.55 ha. Site Clearance was obtained on 28.07.2006. Forestry clearance has not yet been obtained.

PROJECTS THAT HAVE OBTAINED FOREST CLEARANCE Data Not Available on MoEF Website

IN-PRINCIPLE FOREST CLEARANCE Coal Mining (137.02 Ha) in village Raijharan, Nandichor and Similisahi in Chhendipada Tahasil by M/S Orissa Mining Corporation Limited. In-Principle Clearance granted on 20th October 2006.

GENERAL NEWS
FDI OUTFLOW EXCEEDS INFLOW Newindpress.com, Business & Economy News Bureau New Delhi, Oct 26: Over the last few years and particularly during the last year, Indian companies seemed to have been bitten by the acquisition bug spanning nearly the whole of globe. A number of foreign acquisitions by India Inc. especially the latest of Corus Group by Indias largest corporate Tatas for over US$ 8 billion is all set to imbalance the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cart and may even result in FDI outflows exceeding inflows this year. The unprecedented acceleration in investment activity abroad by Indian firms has given steam to FDI outflows which have exceeded the total foreign inflows into the country this year. Overseas acquisitions by few major domestic companies this year alone amounted to over US$ 10 billion. A report by Crisil Centre for Economic Research, says that the rising tide of Indian overseas investments reflect the imperatives of operating in a globalised market place. Indian firms are now driven by the need to seek the cheapest resource mix and locate operations where these are available. The acquisitions by domestic firms abroad is part of a strategy to establish Brand India across the globe and are not limited to a few sectors but spread across a wide array of industries ranging from pharmaceuticals, telecom, automobiles, and ancillaries to IT. Tata Steels recent announcement to buyout Anglo-Dutch steel major Corus for US$ 8.04 billion and countrys largest electronics firm Videocon planning to acquire South Korean Daewoo Electronics for US$ 700 million highlight corporate Indias increasing global foothold. The Tata Group has been a front runner in other global acquisitions as well with Tata Teas acquisition of US-based Energy Brands Inc. for US$ 677 million, Tata Steels buyout of Singapores Natsteel for 486 million dollars and Tata Coffees buyout of Eight Oclock Coffee for US$ 220 million this year. Romanian pharma firm Terapia had also been acquired by Ranbaxy for US$ 324 million dollars earlier this year. Globalisation which exposed the Indian markets to foreign shores had led the domestic companies to transcend geographical barriers and find a foothold in developed markets. Changes in the international regulatory environment, particularly developments in the intellectual property rights (IPR) regimes have also been critical drivers for India Inc.s forays abroad, The report by Crisil Creating The Indian MNC stated. The acceleration in outbound investments by corporate India has not been a sudden spurt but a culmination of a long-term trend towards the creation of the Indian MNC, which has gathered momentum over the last few years. The geographic spread of these investments has also been varied, spanning the US, Europe, Africa, China and the CIS countries as well. Though, as per data available with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, FDI inflows have doubled during January-July 2006 touching US$ 4.74 billion as compared to the same period in 2005, FDI outflows have also been on an upward climb and are set to overtake the inflows by the year end. The increase in the outflows from the country have gathered momentum on the back of the accommodative role played by the Government, particularly the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in line with its strategy of internationalization of the Indian corporate sector, the Crisil report said. As foreign exchange reserves have piled up, (Forex reserves stand at over US$ 165.33 billion as of August, 2006), the RBI has progressively relaxed the controls on outbound investments, making it easier for Indian companies to acquire or invest abroad. A slew of amendments to the RBI guidelines have effectively raised permissible investment limits and streamlined processes. CALL TO PREPARE `CORROSION MAP OF INDIA' Our Bureau, The Hindu Business Line Mangalore, Oct 12: The 13th National Congress on Corrosion Control began here on Thursday with a call to prepare a `corrosion map of India' and to take up corrosion audit in major structures in the country. Inaugurating the three-day Congress, Prof K.I. Vasu, Founder Patron of the National Corrosion Council of India (NCCI), said the Government could earmark a considerable amount to prepare the corrosion map. The country does not have data on the corrosive aspects in various areas. Data on corrosion will help in understanding the period of maintenance of major structures. The preparation of the `corrosion map' has to be an all-India effort with field stations throughout the country in all major cities and industrial areas, according to Prof Vasu. The Government could set apart Rs 150 crore to Rs 200 crore to make the map, he said. Prof Vasu also stressed the need for legislation on taking up corrosion audit in major structures in the country. The boom in the building industry has necessitated such legislation. STATE TO FOLLOW W.BENGAL MODEL FOR POLLUTION CONTROL Pioneer News Service Bhubaneswar, Oct 19: With Orissa's industrialization programme set to gain momentum in the coming decade, the

State is contemplating to follow West Bengal's footsteps by putting in place a mechanism of 'cost of pollution' to deal with industry-induced hazards. "We are working out the modalities on the lines of the West Bengal model by fixing 'cost of pollution' hoping the mechanism will be in place by November-December," a source in the State Pollution Control Board informed on Tuesday. The SPCB had approved the proposal to impose 'cost of pollution' on industries in the State. Supreme Court, on more than one occasion, has established the principle that the polluter must pay. It is ideal to follow the model of the neighbouring State, West Bengal. SPCB sources said the board was also examining other suitable practices being followed in other countries. Pointing out that the geographical proximity to West Bengal and keeping in mind that has similar kinds of industries that we have. Rather, they have diversified industrial presence than us. So, it is prudent to take a cue from them" said the source. Recently, the West Bengal PCB Chairman Dr Sudip Kumar Banerjee made a presentation on the cost of pollution at the SPCB here, where top officials of the Orissa board were present. Officials said the valuation of environmental damages would cover industries such as sponge iron, steel, thermal industry or any industry, which pollutes CHINA'S SINOSTEEL PLANS INTEGRATED PLANT IN INDIA Ambarish Mukherjee, The Hindu Business Line New Delhi, Oct. 23: After Posco and Mittal Steel, Chinese state-owned Sinosteel Corporation is exploring possibilities of getting into the Indian steel arena. The company plans to set up an integrated steel plant in India with an annual capacity of 3-5 million tonnes and is currently engaged in the spadework required for a project of this scale. The company hopes to finalise the location and other ground details within the next two to three months and intends signing the initial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the State Government concerned by February 2007. However, unlike Posco and Mittal Steel, Sinosteel is not rigid on the issue of allotment of an iron ore mine as a precondition for setting up the plant. In talks: The Managing Director of Sinosteel India Private Ltd, Mr Wang Hongsen, told Business Line that the company has already held discussions with the Jharkhand and Orissa governments and the company's President, Mr Tianwen Huang, would be visiting India in November for further deliberations. Sinosteel India is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chinese company. The company is also in talks with Indian private sector companies for a possible joint venture. "We have received many proposals. After Mr Huang's visit, we hope to finalise our plans with regard to

our Indian partners or whether we would go on our own. After that, we hope that a MoU could be signed by February next year," he said. `No problem': On the issue of allotment of iron ore mines, Mr Wang said: "Once you have the plant, iron ore is not a problem. Either the Government would provide it or we can get it." Sinosteel is one of the largest global traders in iron ore, steel and other steel making inputs and equipment. According to mining industry sources, the company is currently buying around 8-10 million tonnes of iron ore from India annually. Investment: The amount of investments that may flow in for this plant would be finalized at a later stage after the location and scale is decided. However, going by the thumb rule of Rs 2,500 crore to Rs 3,000 crore investments per MT of greenfield steel capacity, the investment required could be to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore or more, industry sources said. Officials in the Ministry of Steel also confirmed that Sinosteel officials had met the Minister of State for Steel, Mr Akhilesh Das. "The company is a large manufacturer for steel making equipment like blast furnace, coke oven batteries etc. Initially, they wanted to participate in the expansion plans of SAIL and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. But we have not yet got any paper or proposal from the company about its manufacturing plans," Steel Ministry sources clarified. In July 2005, Sinosteel Corporation had been permitted by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board to set up a wholly owned subsidiary in India with a foreign direct investment of Rs 4 crore to undertake cash-and-carry wholesale trading of metallurgical raw and processed materials, auxiliary materials, metallic and non-metallic and non-metallic mineral products, non- ferrous metal products and other items. TATA STEEL PLANS RS 4,500CR ORDERS FOR ORISSA UNIT Orissa Diary News Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: The Kalinganagar project of Tata Steel will be the first greenfield project to take off among the five planned across domestic and international markets. Tata Steel has lined up greenfield projects in Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bangladesh and Iran. T Mukherjee, deputy managing director of Tata Steel, said the company had decided to take up the Kalinganagar project first, and was close to placing orders for the Orissa project. The company would place orders for one million tonne, which would cost around Rs 4,500 crore, in the first phase, Mukherjee added. The Orissa plant would have a total capacity of six million tonne to be set up in two phases of three million tonne each. The company had internally prioritised its greenfield projects. Refusing to divulge the

second project the company would take up, Mukherjee said, the mine in Orissa, which would be allotted to Tata Steel, had been prospected. Tata Steel would get the mine once it invested 20-25% of the entire project cost according to the MoU terms. GOVERNMENT SIGNS MOU FOR RS 6100 CRORE INVESTMENT Newindpress.com Bhubaneswar,Oct 12: The State Government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gujarat based Welspun Power and Steel Limited (WPSL) for establishment of a three million tonne steel plant and pipe plant with an investment of Rs 6103.8 crore. The MoU was signed by Secretary in the Steel and Mines Department LN Gupta on behalf of the State Government and Vice-Chairman-cum-Managing Director BK Goenka of WPSL. Addressing the function, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hoped that the plans of the company would be executed expeditiously. He said that the State Government would provide all necessary assistance and cooperation to ensure that the investors would operate in a constructive and helpful environment. He underscored the need for special attention to environmental concerns and peripheral development. Welspun, having its registered office in Kutch district of Gujarat, also proposed to set up a ductile iron and spiral pipe plant along with a captive power plant of 150 MW. The State Government expects that with the signing of the MoU, Orissa will derive substantial benefits not only by way of direct taxes but also direct and indirect employment and establishment of downstream and ancillary industries. The MoU signed on Wednesday was in addition to the MoUs signed earlier which envisage steel production of 56.25 million tonnes per annum with a financial investment of Rs 1,35,000 crore. Of these, 20 companies have already commenced partial production with a financial outlay of more than 15,000 crore. Minister for Industries, Biswabhusan Harichandan, Minister for Steel and Mines Padmanabha Behera and Chief Secretary Subas Pani were present. The State Government also signed a memorandum with Welspun Anjar SEZ Limited for establishment of an integrated textile park (ITP) at Choudwar. The company will develop about 400 acres of land and set up among other facilities a modern spinning mill of 25,000 spindle capacity and a weaving mill. The company will invest either by itself or directly controlled subsidiaries, Rs 300 crore over a period of three years upto 2009-10. Welspun will conduct a techno-economic study and arrange procurement of machinery to be used in the ITP. It will also ensure that at

least the spinning mill will be commissioned within a years time from the date of transfer of encumbrance free land. The Chief Minister said that the ITP would boost industrialisation in the area around Choudwar and provide employment to the local people. It will also encourage utilisation of fine cotton grown in KBK region of the State in the plant, he said. SAIL WILL MAINTAIN ITS SHARE: ROONGTA Newindpress.com, Business & Economy News Bureau New Delhi,Oct 26: Undeterred by mega mergers and announcement of creating big capacities by foreign producers like Posco and Mittal Steel, Indias largest steel maker SAIL on Wednesday exuded confidence of retaining its leading position. Let anybody come... We shall maintain or consolidate our market share, said SK Roongta, chairman of SAIL. Asked whether SAIL was looking for acquisitions overseas or will expand through green field route, Roongta, who assumed charge of over Rs. 32,000 crore PSU recently, said There is enough potential in the domestic market to grow but we shall not close our eyes to good opportunities even overseas. On the mega deal of Tata Steel acquiring Anglo Dutch steel company Corus in UK, Roongta expressed happiness saying the deal shows the confidence of overseas market in Indian entrepreneurs. We have a very strong client-base. Despite new producers in 90s we have been able to hold on to ourselves, he said and asserted that despite being the nations biggest producer, there was no room for complacency. Saying that SAIL has set a target of producing 22 million tonne of steel in the next five years, Roongta said capacity of Bokaro, Durgapur, Rourkela, and IISCO would be increased to 14 MT, 5 MT, 5 MT and 5 MT respectively. 40 MT for SAIL may not be a distant target, he suggested. SAIL had planned to invest Rs. 37,000 crore by 2012 to become 22 million tonne steel company, Roongta said adding the plan has now been compressed to be completed by 2010. Roongta said SAIL is aware of the need for coldrolled steel from the automobile sector and has accordingly decided to build a 2.5 MT of cold-rolling mill at its Bokaro unit. The unit would exclusively cater to the auto sector, he averred. Asked whether SAIL was looking for acquisition of smaller capacities outside India, he said SAILs current priority was to retain its position as the countrys biggest steel producer but did not write off any brown field expansion. He reasoned that Mergers and Acquisitions did not happen earlier in the state-run entity as the PSUs boards were not adequately empowered to explore the same.

ORISSA GOVERNMENT CANCELS MOU WITH ASIL Orissa Diary News Bhubaneswar,Oct 24: The State Government has cancelled the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Agrim Steel Industries Ltd (ASIL) for establishment of a steel plant in the State.ASIL had proposed to set up a 36 lakh capacity per annum steel plant at Markuta in Jharsuguda district with an investment of Rs 501.73 crore. However, there has been no progress in the project work. With this, the State Government has cancelled MoUs with four companies. The other three are, Sunflag Specials Steel Ltd, AML Steels and Power Ltd and Stats Steel India (Pvt) Ltd. The State Government has also sent showcase notices to five other companies for not progressing with their project work. ORISSA SIGNS MOUS FOR PRODUCING 10,920 MW OF POWER By Sanjaya Jena, Organizer Orissa government has signed 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with private companies to set up mega thermal power plants in the state, even as Reliance Energy did not join the MoU signing ceremony despite prior government announcement. The 10 projects, combined together, entail an investment of Rs 45,000 crore and are envisaged to produce 10,920 MW power. The companies that entered into the MoUs include Bhusan Energy Private Limited (2,000 MW, Rs 8,483 crore), KVK Nilachal Limited (600 MW, Rs 2,580 crore), Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation (1000 MW, Rs 4,042 crore), Tata Power (1,000 MW, Rs 4,348 crore), Monnet Ispat and Energy Limited (600 MW, Rs 2,852 crore), Essar Power Limited (1,000 MW, Rs 4,500 crore), Visa Power (1,000 MW, Rs 3,698 crore), Jindal Photo Film Limited (1,000 MW, Rs 4,525 crore), Lanco group (1,320 MW, Rs 4,500 crore) and Sterlite Energy (2,400 MW, Rs 7,481 crore). Of these, the Tatas, Essar, Bhusan, Visa, Jindal, and Sterlite have also previously signed MoUs with the state government for setting up steel plants in the state. On September 20, a high-level committee presided over by Chief Minister Navin Patnaik had cleared 11 power projects and one cement project. Although the state government had approved the Reliance Energys proposal for 4,000-MW power plant proposed to come up at Hirma in Jharsuguda district, the company did not turn up to the MoU signing ceremony. Speaking to reporters on the non-appearance of the Reliance, state Energy Minister Suryanarayan Patra said, We have some problems with the Reliance Energy. However, we have formed a task force to sort out the issues and hope we will soon sign the agreement. Sources in the government said the government, under fear of the Opposition criticism, removed from its MoU signing agenda

the name of Reliance Energy as the company owes nearly Rs 2000 crore to the Grid Corporation of Orissa (Gridco) on bulk power purchase. The state government, under attack from the Opposition, had declared that the company would be asked to pay its arrears before signing of the MoU. However, non-payment of arrears forced the government to change its plan, the sources added. Although Reliance Energy had originally proposed to set up a 12,000-MW project, the state had given clearance for the 4000-MW first phase unit with an investment of Rs 16,236 crore. Orissa Industry Minister Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, who addressed the investors brigade, welcomed them to the new industrial atmosphere of the state. Chief Minister Navin Patnaik, who was also present on the occasion, said with the addition of 10,920 MW units of power, the state is set to emerge as the powerhouse of the country. With the signing up of the 10 MoUs, the combined generation capacity of the thermal power projects lined up in Orissa has increased to 16,000 MW. In June, the state government had signed MoUs with Naba-Bharat Power Private Limited, Mahanadi Aban Power Company Limited and GMR Energy Limited for projects envisaging a combined investment of Rs 13,402 crore and a generation capacity of 3,070 MW. TORRENT POWER TO SET UP 1,000-MW POWER PLANT IN ORISSA Orissa Diary News Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: Torrent Power Ltd. wants to set up a 1,000-megawatt coal-based power plant and invest in the distribution business in Orissa, a government official said. Torrent Power, created from the merger of Torrent Power AEC Ltd. and Torrent Power SEC Ltd. and soon to be listed on the stock exchanges, has submitted such a proposal to state authorities, a company official confirmed on Wednesday. "The talks are in a preliminary state. But yes, we are keen on Orissa," the official told to media. A team led by Chairman Sudhir Mehta met Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday and discussed plans for the 40billion-rupee power project. ITS CEMENT AFTER STEEL AND POWER Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: Steel and energy sectors notwithstanding, the Orissa Government seems keen on capitalising on the growth of Indian cement industry. As per the Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA), Orissa ranked 14th in India in terms of production, manufacturing 2.92 million tonne (2.29 percent of total production) in 2004-05. Going by the National Council for Applied Economic Research, under the average growth scenario, the demand for cement in Orissa is expected to rise to 9 million

tonne by 2010-11 at an annual rate of about 13 percent. But it all depends on how well both the steel and power sectors shape up. The State is looking at the fly-ash and blast furnace slag-based cement routes to move up the growth ladder. Since profitability of the cement industry mainly depends on input, fuel and transportation costs, one of the methods to reduce manufacturing costs is to go for blended cement which requires raw materials such as fly ash and blast furnace slag (BFS). As per a recent report, production of blended cement had reached a level of 60 percent of the total cement production in 2004-05 and has made the sector the largest consumer of fly-ash to the tune of 16 million tonne. With both steel and power generation units making a beeline to Orissa, the State Government has a reason to feel elated. Orissa accounts for 11 percent of the investment happenings in India. Take a look at the investment that had already been made in the steel sector. There is infrastructure to follow. Cement industry is headed for a massive growth path and we want it to respond to fly-ash and blast furnace slag, said Industry Secretary Srinivas Injati. He was addressing a workshop on Investment opportunities in flyash and BFS plants in Orissa, organised by Team Orissa in association with CMA and Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) here on Monday. With the energy sector, thermal power in particular, adding capacity in a massive way, fly-ash generation would witness manifold rise. This can pose a serious environment concern too, he felt and added that the alternative raw materials for manufacturing blended cement can show the way. Recently, the Government signed 13 MoUs with a proposed capacity of 19,000 MW. If 10,000 MW power is generated, it will produce 20 million tonne fly-ash in Orissa. Industry Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan and Resident Commissioner of Government of Orissa AP Padhi echoed similar views. Ipicol Managing Director Ashok Meena said sustained development of Orissa will itself create a big market for cement. The total investment proposals in the State stand at a whopping Rs 4,00,000 crore, 47 percent of which is in the mining and metals sector. This will create substantial demand for cement. But the State needs to tap the potential, feels Dr Vimal Kumar, advisor to Fly-Ash Mission of TIFAC. ORISSA ON FLY ASH MISSION MODE Braja Kishore Mishra, PNS Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: Industrialisation and environmental pollution are two inseparable twins. Nuclear waste, heavy metal waste, plastic waste, adding to the list is yet another form of pollutant - fly ash, which is a bi-product of thermo-

electric power plants. However, the cement sector holds immense promise in terms of utilising the fly ash, from the power sector and blast furnace slag from the iron and steel industry to manufacture blended cement without affecting the quality of cement. The use of these wastes also enables the cement companies to increase their profits. Consequently, about 50 per cent of the 135 million tons of cement produced in India is blended cement. Today, about 17 million tons of a total 118 million ton of fly ash generated in the country is used by the cement industry. "But the potential for utilisation is much more," feels Vimal Kumar, advisor of the Fly Ash Utilisation Programme (FAUP) of the Government of India. Speaking in a workshop on "Investment opportunities in fly ash and blast furnace slag based cement plants in Orissa" on Monday, Dr Kumar suggested that Orissa, being a major producer of fly ash, should immediately go for the Fly Ash Mission (FAM). Announcing the decision of the Government to create a high-powered FAM soon, commissioner-cum-secretary of the Industries Department Injeti Srinivas said "the State Government is very much interested in establishing a favourable policy regime to promote the use of fly ash." According to the Orissa team's latest report, the current generation of fly ash is 11 million ton per annum and slag generation is 3.08 million ton per annum. The use of fly ash in various sectors is only 3.8 million ton per annum, which is only 28 per cent of the available lot, said Ashok Kumar Meena, managing director of Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Orissa (IPICOL). Meena said that with the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed for generation of 14,000 mw of thermal power, the production of fly ash may go up to 40 million ton. The thumb rule is 500 mw thermal power generates 1 million ton per annum of fly ash, he said. Inaugurating the workshop, Industries Minister Biswa Bhusan Harichandan called for a coordinated approach to create an environment for more use of fly ash and slag.. Chairing the session, SP Ghosh, advisor Cement Manufacturers' Association (CMA), said that in 2005-06 the cement industry in India has the present capacity of 171 million ton, would be adding 90 million ton during next five years. This year cement industry utilised 16.85 million ton of fly ash. Aditya Prasad Padhi, resident commissioner said that while the current requirement of the State is 4 million ton per annum, the cement companies are producing 3 million ton per annum. , he added. H Bhattacharya, executive director, Orissa Cement Limited (OCL), said 94 per cent of cement produced in the State is blended, which is better than the ordinary portland cement. Among others, director industries Hemant Sharma, additional resident commissioner Sanjeev Mishra, chairman

of the State Pollution Control Board Lalit Narayan Patnaik, chief engineer, Roads, Nalini K Pradhan and general manager, Grasim Industries, Satyaki Sarkar addressed the workshop. Further Meena said the recommendations of the workshop would be considered for inclusion in the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2006, which is on the anvil. IPR-2006 would facilitate the various industries, including the fly ash-based enterprises, he added. ICCL MERGES WITH IMFA Statesman News Service Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: The merger of Indian Charge Chrome Ltd with Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Ltd was formally announced today by Mr Subhrakant Panda, the MD of IMFA Group, who claimed that it was done to fully capture operational and financial synergies and position the company to aggressively move forward with future plans and investment. The fact remains that both had a common management and there was a lot of interplay between the two in terms of sharing ore and power. ICCL was riddled with debt, while IMFA was a debt-free company. The debt of the new merged entity, which is to be known as IMFA, is now around Rs 560 crore, entirely that of ICCL. Mr Panda said the net worth of the merged company is Rs 124 crore and the projected turnover in financial year 2007 would be Rs 500 crore. The promoter shareholding is 57 per cent with the rest being held by the financial institutions and the public. The merger is in fact the culmination of the restructuring package of ICCL and part of the stipulation by term lenders of the company. An integral part of the merger scheme was the formation of an independent trust which will hold four per cent of the post-merger equity of IMFA to be distributed to small shareholders at a minimum discount of 50 per cent to the market price, said Mr Panda, while insisting that interest of small shareholders stand protected. In fact, the merger was a unanimous decision of the Board of IMFA, while it was supported by more than 99 per cent of the Board of ICCL, he said. Talking of his future plans, Mr Panda said the focus would be to become an independent power generator, besides expanding ferro chrome production. We plan to invest Rs 700 crore over the next three years to increase our ferro alloys capacity from the present 2,35,000 tons to 3,50,000 tons per annum. The company is also looking at the power generation side with a 30 MW duel fuel power plant and a 120 MW coal-based power plant by 2010, he said. The 30 MW power plant will be commissioned by 2008 and the 120 MW by 2010, he informed. He was confident of doubling the turnover of the company in three to four years. Asked

about the swap ratio, he said it was 1 :14 in favour of IMFA and ICCL. Mr Panda said the expanded capacity would require ore linkages for which the company would move the state government. Answering a question on whether the mining lease held by the companies will automatically get transferred to the new entity, Mr.Panda said requirement had always been calculated by taking both companies together. He was, however, evasive when questioned about the benefits extended to ICCL by the government. Mr Panda was also reluctant to elaborate on the companys plans of setting up an alumina plant. SPV FOR RS 523 CR ANGUL-DUBURI-SUKINDA RAIL LINE SOON Orissa Diary News Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: Nine steel companies have shown interest in participating in the construction of the 98-km Angul-Duburi-Sukinda rail line in Orissa under the leadership of the Rashtriya Rail Vikash Nigam (RVNL), a fully owned subsidiary of the Indian Railways. A special purpose vehicle will be formed soon to implement the project, which is estimated to cost Rs 523 crore. A shareholders' agreement will be signed in this regard in the last week of November. Work on the project is expected to start early next year and be completed by 2010. This will be the second rail project in the state to follow the public-private partnership model after the Rs 598-crore Haridaspur-Paradip rail link. Nine public and private sector companies, including Posco, SAIL, RVNL and Paradip Port Trust, recently signed a shareholders agreement for the 82km rail link. The Angul-Duburi-Sukinda line will be a vital link between the coal mines in the Talcher area and the iron ore mines at Banspani. With a number of steel projects coming up in the Angul and Duburi areas, the proposed line will not only secure the requisite traffic guarantee but will also be remunerative. According to a study, the rate of return for the project is pegged at 20 per cent. Of the total project cost of Rs 523 crore, the equity portion is estimated at about Rs 250 crore. RVNL will be the lead promoter with an equity investment of 30-35 per cent, while the rest will be subscribed by other partner companies. The steel companies that have shown interest in the project include Tata Steel, Essar Steel, Arati Steel, Visa Steel, Monnet Ispat, Jindal Stainless Steel, Jindal Steel and Strips, Bhusan Power and Steel and Bhusan Steel and Strips Ltd. All the interested parties have been asked to specify their equity participation and traffic projection within the next ten days for finalisation of the shareholders' agreement. The land required for construction of the rail line is estimated at 1,530 acres.

14 SUGAR MILLS TO BE SET UP IN STATE: CM Newindpress.com Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: Chief minister Navin Patnaik on Thursday announced that the Orissa government is preparing a master plan for setting up 14 sugar factories in the state as part of the economic development in rural sectors. He said that the state government has already identified sites for these proposed sugar factories. Patnaik, during his three-day tour to New Delhi, met Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar on Thursday. During the discussion, Patnaik informed that the state had identified 12 new areas for cane cultivation and very soon, a master plan would be prepared for the purpose of encouraging sugar mills. The Union minister agreed to help the state in its endeavor to promote sugar industries. The entire eastern region is sugar deficit and Orissa can be ideal place for sugar mills to come up, he added. Besides, the chief minister also urged Pawar to provide financial assistance to enable the farm lending at the interest rate of seven per cent. He also asked for the relaxation of the paddy quality norm during procurement operations in view of the recent floods.On the farm loan issue, Patnaik told the Union minister that the state had funded cooperative lending to farmers at seven percent interest that has cost the state exchequer Rs 33 crore. He said that it can only be a short term measure unless and until the Centre assists the state to sustain such cooperative funding to farm sector. Pawar highly commended the performance of the Orissa government in food grain production and procurement during the last financial year with no distress sale. Patnaik also met the Union Minister for Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal and asked him to take necessary measures to set up a modern weather centre in Paradip. In his reply, Sibal said that a Doppler radar station would be established by the Earth Science department in Paradip for weather monitoring. Besides, three other sitesBalasore, Gopalpur and Sambalpur-have also been identified for similar stations, he added. The radar station can give warning about the possible natural calamities in advance. The chief minister also requested the Union minister to sanction PG courses in Marine Bio-technology and General Bio-technology in Berhampur and North Orissa universities. He also urged Sibal to expedite sanction for the proposed bio-technology incubator at the proposed BioTechnology Park in Bhubaneswar. GOOD NEWS FOR SSI UNITS Pioneer News Service Bhubaneswar, Oct 5: To be boost the small scale and medium scale industries of the State, the State Government is going to acquire lands in a huge way to facilitate the

establishment of the small-scale industries in the nearby mega projects. Announcing this, Infrastructure Development Corporation of Orissa (IDCO) Managing Director Ashok Meena said the State Government's prime focus would to encourage small-scale industries. The State Government has begun an exercise in the regard. At a press conference of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Eastern Region, Orissa chapter, he said the State Government had already acquired 350 acres of land in Kalinga Nagar for the establishment of small-scale industries.It has also acquired 250 acres of land near Jharsuguda for the ancillary and down stream industries and is going to acquire lands in Paradip where Posco is going to set up its project. Chairman of the Orissa Chapter, Subhrakanata Panda said in association with the Government of Orissa, it would hold the 11th Industrial Exhibition Enterprise Orissa 2006 from November 9 to November 13. It will showcase a wide range of industrial and consumer products, handlooms and handicrafts, marine, agro and other important sectors. The major theme of this year's event is the "Renaissance of Manufacturing in Orissa" wherein industries, which have signed MoUs will showcase their respective action plan for Orissa. Besides, it is also proposed to hold concurrent on Logistic and Agro-Business to provide a platform for sharing information and defining future industries. He further said that A CEO's conclave is being organised on November 11 and its aim is to provide a platform for industries and Government officials to discuss the need of interested industries to set up their respective units in Orissa. To encourage School students and inter-school dance competition being organised on October 10 and 11. Chairman of the Eastern Region of CII, Bhusan Raina spoke on the role of the CII in forming the economy of country. Among others HM Nerukar and Suparna Nanda were present. MINING POLICY: IRON OUT THE LEASING ISSUES S. K. Gupta, The Hindu Business Line Bhubaneswar, Oct 20: Iron ore mining has become a contentious issue. The cost of producing a tonne of iron ore in India is around Rs 300, while its price in the international market is around Rs 1,800. In the last 30 years, the labyrinthine policy ensured that no one got a large mining lease no public sector unit, Indian company, or international corporate. Yet, the very same policy granted hundreds of small mining leases over the years. What is wrong? Mines with capacity less than 5 million tonnes per annum can, and do, use the state infrastructure roads, power, ports and water systems keeping for

themselves large margins. If the scale of mining had been in the 5-15 million tonnes per annum category, as in major iron ore producing countries, the sheer volume of transportation (more than 1,000 trucks per day) would have ensured investment in infrastructure development, besides beneficiation and up gradation of low-grade ore. This has been the case in Australia, Brazil and Chile. So, the government should think of a policy shift to large leases, though it may face opposition. Such enterprises would have to invest in effective exploration using the latest technology, adopt scientific mine-planning, develop infrastructure and take measures to protect the environment. One obvious way to ensure consolidation of the small mining leases could be by making them tradable. Second, India's per capita consumption is less than a tenth of many of its competitors. With progress, the country must go for higher levels of value addition and export. But at every stage, the policy framework must take into account the competitiveness aspect. One myth that needs to be busted is that mineral resources have enormous value. Japan and South Korea are among the most competitive steel producers but have no indigenous mineral resources. Yet, both nations have systematically leveraged the growth in steel production and global marketing. This has been possible by an effective leveraging of technology, quality systems and a liberal government policy framework that allowed takeover of mines globally, particularly in Australia, which has a large exportable surplus of coal and iron ore. As part of this strategy is POSCO's move to set up a large steel plant in Orissa. Its main aim is to source iron ore at close to actual cost rather than at international prices. Indeed, be it UK, US, Germany, or France, all have become developed countries by effectively exploiting their national mineral resources. Another myth: Steel is an intermediate product an input for cars and ships. But that would be ignoring steel's primary role in infrastructure bridges, railways, ports, power plants, and construction. Only after the per capita consumption of steel exceeds, say, 250 kg, as has happened in China, will the nation enter the auto-catalytic stage. This means the economy is on a high-growth path that will catapult it into a developed society. The iron ore reserve issue. Indian iron ore reserves have not been explored effectively so far; below 150 meters there is no data. How to ensure effective exploration? By fostering large world-class mining complexes, besides providing more financial resources to domestic units. Large mining leases: The track record of captive mining by steel companies has not so far been exemplary in any country Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, China or India. Mining has been a back-room function for many large steel enterprises. These enterprises have made no pioneering

contribution to any key mining function: Exploration, mine planning, infrastructure development, environment management or restoration. Yet, such a significant and basic industry as steel, with very large investment and fluctuating returns and crucial to the economic development of a developing nation, cannot but have `input' security. So the answer must be either a combination of partial input security through captive facilities or through combinations of joint ventures and alliances. Prudent pre-qualifications followed by auctions for large mining leases within a reasonable time-frame could be the appropriate route to triggering higher growth in the steel sector, and thence in the infrastructure and manufacturing sectors a pre-requisite for a developed and balanced society. SURPLUS SEEN IN STEEL OUTPUT; EXPORTS LIKELY G. Chandrashekhar, The Hindu Business Line Mumbai, Oct 17: Indian steel industry is in the spotlight these days with Tata Steel making a takeover bid for Corus. Well-known steel majors Mittal Steel and Posco have already trained their attention on India. Will Indian steel sector go the China way is a question everyone is asking. China, as is well known, is the world's largest producer and consumer of steel, an industrial metal that is integral to economic growth, especially for infrastructure development. The strong positive correlation between economic growth and metals consumption is common knowledge. Key areas: Last three years, India has emerged as one of world's fastest growing significant economies with GDP growth rate of eight per cent a year. Housing and infrastructure are key areas of future development. Huge investments are being committed. Naturally, steel would be a critical input. What's the emerging Indian steel scenario? About India, a new study from GFMS Metals Consulting says the country may become steel surplus and forced to look for export options. "Significant proportion of announced green-field capacity will not actually be developed in the next five years. Very simply, the capital requirements of over $75 billion cannot be raised internally. However, brown-field expansion at existing steelmakers, the backward integration of re-rollers and the forward integration of smaller DRI or pig iron producers into steelmaking coupled with the emergence of 2-3 green-field sites will push up steel output sharply." Mismatch: A mismatch between domestic steel output and consumption demand may develop forcing India to enter the export market. "While domestic demand will grow in excess of forecast GDP rates, it will not be able to absorb all the additional steel and an increasing proportion (particularly for flat products) will be exported," the report points out.

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Crude steel output should increase to 72.7 million tonnes by 2011, an average annual increase of 9.2 per cent, while finished steel demand will rise by a slightly more constrained, but still very strong, 8.6 per cent per annum, with the balance going to semis exports, GFMS observed adding that by 2011, total slab exports from India will be in excess of 2.5 ml.t. per year. Rise in Ore output: Suggesting that raw material base was critical to India's competitive position, the report forecast Indian iron ore production will increase to170 ml.t. by 2011, of which 65ml.t. would be exported. Indias Iron ore exports have hit a controversy. As much as 50 per cent of current output is shipped out of the country. The National Steel Policy has set a domestic steel production target of 100ml.t. by 2019-20 to meet projected internal demand of 90 ml.t AMEND MINING LAWS, FIGHT POVERTY Newindpress.com Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: Suitable amendments should be made to the mining laws to help fight poverty in the State, said former Andhra Pradesh-cadre IAS officer Jatish Chandra Mohanty. Mohanty took voluntary retirement recently to work for poverty eradication in his home State Orissa. With the current level of production, he reckoned, if mine lease holders are mandated to share 50 percent of their profit with the State Government, Orissa would get an additional revenue of about Rs 4,400 crore per annum. The fund can be utilised in building rural infrastructure and providing livelihood avenues for the poor. Addressing media persons here on Monday Mohanty said, Mo samruddha Odisha campaign would be launched in the State soon and aims at complete eradication of poverty and improving the financial condition of its people. Stating that the interests of local people are being overlooked by the Government while granting mining leases, he sought formulation of a mechanism where tribals can get five percent of the net profit of the company. To this effect, he called for constitution of a mineral board and an expert committee to decide the cost and profit as per global market mechanism. The Government, he said, should have overriding control over all kinds of minerals, excluding the strategic ones.On raising the socio-economic status of the poor, Mohanty advocated an integral approach that would touch on all aspects of development and ensuring optimum utilisation of the available resources. Retired IG of police B K Tripathy, former vice-chancellor of OUAT Iswar Mohapatra and former managing director of Orissa Mining Corporation B K Mohanty among others have pledged support to Mohanty.

MINISTRY TO SET UP PANEL TO LOOK INTO STEEL ISSUES Ambarish Mukherjee, The Hindu Business Line New Delhi, Oct 20: The Ministry of Steel will be setting up a steering committee that would be looking into the issues related to import and export of steel, development of domestic market, demand assessment for steel and the overall implementation of the National Steel Policy. At a meeting between the Ministry, steel manufacturers and steel consumers, it has been decided that committee would comprise major steel manufacturers, secondary steel produces' associations and Ministry officials. According to sources, the task of assessment of future steel demand is likely to be outsourced once the steering committee is in place. The names of two organizations, namely the Mckinsey and the National Council for Applied Economic Research, have already been discussed and the steering committee would be deciding on the issue, sources said. The steering committee would also be taking a view on a proposal for compulsory ISI certification in all steel products and would also be looking into the issues of export and import and related duty structures and incentives. ISI Certification: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which is the administrative Ministry for the Bureau of Indian Standards that gives the ISI certification, has proposed that all manufactured steel products must undergo quality test standards set by the BIS and obtain the ISI mark. While the Ministry's views would be decided only after the steering committee gives its report, the secondary steel industry is opposed to such a move on ground that all steel applications do not require tested steel. According to the industry, steel used for further value addition may require tested steel but those used by the masses for use in fencing, window bars, sheets used for roofing etc does not require tested steel and compulsory ISI marking would result in increased cost. Official sources said that the Ministry would be officially setting up the panel before the end of this month. STEEL MINISTRY SEEKS FEE ON IRON ORE USAGE Prabhakar Sinha, Times News Network New Delhi, Oct 27: The rules of doing business for steel companies could soon change. In a move that could affect the plans of a host of steelmakers, the steel ministry is sticking to its guns and is pushing for levying a fee for use of iron ore from captive mines. Besides, it wants a phasing out of iron ore exports. The move comes even as the government appears divided on the issue with the mines and commerce ministries opposing any curbs, while the finance ministry is in favour of restricting ore exports, though it does not support a ban. But the steel ministry is of the

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opinion that unlike petroleum or telecom, where firms pay for using scarce resources read oil, gas and spectrum steel firms and miners are making a killing on iron ore. At present, steel manufacturers and miners pay Rs 16 per tonne as cess and Re 1 per tonne as royalty for using iron ore from captive mines. As against this, iron ore is available at $6070 per tonne in the global market, depending upon the quality and costs around Rs 2,000 per tonne in the domestic market. With the cost of mining iron ore is estimated at around Rs 250 per tonne, captive mine owners are making huge profits, a high-ranking source said. Sources said government was considering recommendations of Hooda Committee on captive mines, which has suggested levying charges on an ad-valorem basis. A committee of secretaries which is looking into the matter involving ore exports, is exploring the possibility of canalising ore exports through designated agencies besides putting caps on ore exports. REFRAIN FROM SEZS, BIJAY TELLS GOVT Newindpress.com Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: Orissa Gana Parishad (OGP) president Bijay Mohapatra on Monday asked the Government to refrain from notifying the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the State, agreed to by the Centre in principle, as these would cause immense loss to the exchequer. Addressing a media conference here, Mohapatra said that the 12 SEZ proposals would cause a loss of Rs 37,000 crore to the State. He alleged that though the Government would provide land at a cheaper rate for these projects, it would not get anything in return through taxes. SEZ status for South Korean major Poscos steel plant at Paradip would alone cause a loss of Rs 20,315 crore over next 30 years; he said and questioned the Governments eagerness to promote some select companies. He alleged that land on both sides of the Express Highway had been proposed to be notified for SEZs keeping an eye on future expansion of the Posco project. Stating that the State Government had provided land to Posco at a throwaway price, the OGP leader said that land has been acquired in Erasama block of Jagatsinghpur district at a price of Rs 50,000 per acre. The proposal to accord SEZ status to Jindal Stainless at Kalinga Nagar would also cause a loss of Rs 6,954 crore. Besides, it would also render other projects in the area, including the Nilachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL), uncompetitive, he said. The State Government has also proposed SEZ status to alumina projects of Hindalco and Vedanta, for which it would have to incur a loss of Rs 10,000 crore during the next 15 years, he said. Mohapatra criticised the Centre and the State Governments for their keenness to give SEZ status to projects of private companies when no such facility was

given to profit-making projects of public sector undertakings (PSUs). Nalco which contributed a revenue of Rs 400 crore during the last financial year enjoys no such facility. The OGP leader also criticised the State Government for its inability to handle the deteriorating law and order situation.Referring to the gunning down of DIG Jaswinder Singh by his personal security officer, Mohapatra said that the State Government made itself a laughing stock before the country by announcing that he was killed by Left wing ultras. Stating that the Crime Branch probe would fail to unravel the truth, he said the investigation should be handed over to the CBI. NO ACQUISITION OF AGRICULTURE LAND UNDER SEZ: NAVEEN Orissa Diary News Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday made it clear that the state will not be in a losing proposition by according special economic zone (SEZ) status to major industrial units for more investment. The state government has decided in principle not to go for acquisition of agricultural land in SEZ limits, he pointed out. Briefing newsmen at Naveen Nivas soon after his return from New Delhi, he said that every state has SEZ to create investment opportunity among the major industries to set up their base. Since Orissa is no exception this, the state government, therefore, has taken adequate steps to set up SEZ not only to woo the industrial magnates, but also to generate huge employment opportunities, he said while maintaining that the state will neither have any revenue losses and nor any of its agriculture land would be affected. STATES MUST CERTIFY SEZS ARE NOT ON FARM LAND: NATH PTI New Delhi, Oct 20: Putting all uncertainties to rest over the farmers land being snatched away for setting up special economic zones the Commerce Ministry has decided that the land will have to be certified by the State Governments. State governments will have to certify that Special Economic Zones are not being set up on agricultural land, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said. Addressing the concerns of farmers at the Agriculture Summit, the Commerce Minister said he has already written to all Chief Ministers to ensure that prime agricultural land was not acquired for setting up SEZs. "States will have to give certificate that SEZs are not on well-irrigated farm land," he said. Nath argued that the concerns raised over the past few weeks regarding the acquisition of farm land was not limited to SEZs only.

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"The question is not of SEZs, but of industrialisation. Industries should come up on wasteland and not on good farm land so that it does not affect our agriculture," he said. Nath also said that Indian farmers should adopt modern technology to increase productivity and tap the export market. The minister reiterated that developed countries such as the US must reduce the huge subsidies to their farmers so as to remove the distortions in world agriculture trade. "Agriculture for us is not commerce, but livelihood. There will be no compromise on food security," the Minister said. SOUTHERN TRIBALS AGITATE AGAINST SEZ PROJECT Santanu Barad Berhampur, Oct 16: More than 500 tribals from the southern districts gathered here on Friday in front of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner to agitate against the proposed SEZ. Under the banner of the Lok Sangram Manch affiliated to AIKMS, the tribals from four districts Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal and Rayagada started the agitation from the morning till 4 pm. The leaders of AIKMS and Lok Sangram Manch, including Bhala Chandra Sarangi, Raghunath Padhy and Santosh Mallik were present to submit the memoranda to the RDC (southern) in the name of the President of India. Some were carrying their tribal traditional weapons. Berhampur Sub-collector Ranjit Mohanty and tehsildar Sangram Panda met the people and discussed their grievances. Women expressed concern over the irrigation project in Gajapati district. They alleged the people would lose their land and source of livelihood if the irrigation project was completed. They appraised the authority that their land would be submerged with this ongoing project and requested for alternate measures to be taken for their welfare. The leaders in the memoranda demanded stopping transfer of land to the SEZ project, giving rights to the tribal and landless people over the forest land, stopping rectifying of Regulation-2/56 Act, stopping land acquisition in the tribal areas and stopping the police atrocities and false litigation against the people of this movement. Bhala Sarangi said the RDC assured them of considering the matter within a month's time. SOPS TO MNCS: MEDHA SEEKS NATIONWIDE STIR Newindpress.com Bhubaneswar, Oct 15: Narmada Bachao Andolan leader and social activist Medha Patkar on Saturday called for a nationwide movement against provision of special concessions like SEZs to the multinational companies out

to plunder the vast natural resources of the country. Patkar took a dig at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for playing into the hands of the capitalist forces and sacrificing the interests of the aam admi. She was expressing solidarity with the indefinite hunger strike being staged by activists of the Rastriya Yuva Sangathan and Navanirman Samiti here protesting the Posco steel project at Paradip. Allowing Posco an SEZ, a captive port and hundreds of acres of fertile land would displace hundreds of families and rob them of their source of livelihood. The Government has done grave injustice to the people, she alleged. Meanwhile, as the strike enters its 28th day on Saturday, political parties like Congress have thrown their weight behind the protest. Former minister and Congressman Jagannath Patnaik visited the camp and pledged the partys support to the movement. Congress is not against industrialisation but the manner in which it is being carried forward by the present Government, he said. In the name of industrialisation, the poor and the downtrodden are being victimised. A mass uprising is in the making against the anti-people policies of the Government, he said CPM EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER PROPOSED SEZ IN ORISSA zeenews.com Bhubaneswar, Oct 06: The CPI-M on Friday expressed serious concern over a proposal to set up a special economic zone (SEZ) in Orissa, saying the project would jeopardise agriculture, cast a shadow on food security and put a question mark on the country's sovereignty. "The farmers will be the worst victims while both the Central and state governments will suffer losses," the party's state secretary Janardan Pati told a news conference here. Pati said the Left parties, while debating the issue in Parliament, had demanded the implementation of similar labour laws in all SEZs and this had been accepted by the Centre. "But now it appears more amendments and changes are required in the law concerning the rules and sub-rules. It is now clear that industries having SEZ status will use barely 25 per cent of the allotted land for setting up their plants," he said. "It means the rest of the land will be used by them for other purposes including real estate and they will make enormous profit which will not be taxed." Pointing out that projections had said the Central and state governments would receive tax amounting to Rs 79,000 crore and Rs 22,500 crore if the mega steel project of South Korean company Posco was set up, Pati said it needs to be clarified if the project was given SEZ status. Restrictions need to be imposed on the allotment of land and industries

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RDCs letter written to the district collector of Rayagada. In the letter, RDC S.P.Thakur has raised doubts over leasing of land to Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) for its refinery project in Kashipur. Was it a secret affair? It appears transparency was a casualty here are among the questions that the IAS officer has raised pointing fingers at the very intention of the Government of the day. The letter (1465/Rev) dated 18.09.2006 says that the RDC wants all files relating to industrialization in Orissa should be sent to him by name. What does this mean? It means letters relating to industry affairs should be sent to S.P.Thakur, not to the office of RDC, Southern Division. What does this mean? This, according to a senior official, means when something is communicated by name, the NO SEZ AT THE COST OF FARMLANDS officer concerned has the discretion either to put it on office Statesman News Service record or simply tear it off if he or she does not find it NewDelhi,Oct5: The chairman of the National Commission suitable. And, what suitability means, is only the domain on Farmers, Mr M.S.Swaminathan, has said that prime farm of the officer who wants communications by his or her land should not be diverted for setting up SEZs. Agricultural name. It is not the Naveen Patnaik Governments intentions, land must be conserved for farming and should not be Thakur has also questioned the intentions of Government of diverted for non -agricultural purpose, he pleaded and said India, which has the authority to grant approval for that expert committees should be formed at the state level to diversion of forestland to industry and give environmental identify waste and non-fertile land which can be used for clearance. The State Government allots land only after industrial purposes. He was briefing the media on the fifth getting clearance from the Centre. Thakur was no where in and final report of the commission after submitting it to the picture when everything took place. He just took over as Union agriculture minister, Mr Sharad Pawar. The RDC in July last. All procedures have been duly followed commission also recommended that food grains should not before leasing out land for the project, said a senior official be procured at the minimum support price but at the market of the Forest and Environment Department dismissing the rate. He said food security of the country should be based on RDCs observations. home grown food, rather than depending on imports. Contrarily, Thakur, in his letter, has indicated that the State Government has blindly Okayed UAILs land lease LAND TO INDUSTRY: SOUTHERN RDC QUESTIONS proposal and diluted conditions put by Government of India. GOVTS INTENTION It also says that no-objection certificate has not been obtained from panchayati raj institutions. We contacted the Insightorissa.com, Prakash Rao Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: Who decides allotment of land to RDC for his comments, and look, how he reacted: You are industries? The State Government, or for that matter, Chief a pro-industry journalist. We asked him, Are you then an Minister Naveen Patnaik. At a time when the Chief Minister anti-industry IAS? At this, Thakur fumed, and said, I am is trying hard to put Orissa on the trajectory of economic S.P.Thakur, I do not care anyone. growth, here is an IAS officer who surprisingly has questioned the Governments intention of leasing out land to NEW PROJECTS NEED 1,31,000 ACRES IN ORISSA industry. This official thinks that land allotments are secret PTI deals between Government and the industry. Not only this. Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: Even as the influx of new projects The IAS officer also aims to dismiss Chief Ministers claim continues in Orissa, the state is facing a herculean task to of transparency, which the BJD-BJP coalition has been allot promised land which almost compares with the area basking upon in the last six years. The official in question is that was envisaged for residential purpose in the masterplan Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Southern for 67 towns. The estimated land sought by different Division, S.P.Thakur. Until now, it is the NGOs who have industries inlcuding Reliance Energy Limited (REL), Poscobeen shouting slogans and mouthing anti-industry India private limited and Vedanta Resources Plc (VLC), platitudes. But, this is for the first time that a serving would exceed 1,31,000 acres of land. The land earmarked bureaucrat, a government servant, has joined the antifor residential area in the masterplan of 67 towns including industry bandwagon. InsightOrissa.com has obtained from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Paradip and Jharsuguda, the Forest and Environment Department a copy of the should use at least 50 per cent of such land for setting up their facility. There should not be any exemption of tax, he said. The SEZs should not be allowed in fertile agricultural land and those losing their land should be compensated at double the market price of the land. Care should also be taken to ensure that people are not displaced, he said. "We, however, don't oppose the SEZs being set up for it industries," the CPI-M leader said. Pati said the land being provided to industries for setting up SEZs should not be sold to them but allotted for the period of the licence given to them. After this, the land should be retained by the government.

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has been estimated to be around 1,34,000 acres. A few projects are expected to spawn towns near existing urban bodies which could change the landscape of the state's urban skyline. Different companies have so far signed 42 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for setting up steel projects, 13 MoU for thermal power plants and four for alumina complexes. The land required for steel projects alone will make a whopping figure with 40,300 acre land. It is followed by power projects with 17,593 acres and alumina complexes with 12,062 acres of lnad. Even though a single large project is yet to go on stream, various brownfield expansions have been proposed as well. Bhushan Steel and Strips Limited (BSSL) officials recently met chief minister Naveen Patnaik and expressed their interest to add six million tonne steel capacity to their proposed 3.1 million tonne. The company had sought additional 3,500 acre of land adjacent to its 2,000 acre land in Dhenkanal district. The mother of all projects, a 12,000 mw thermal power plant, had been proposed by Anil Ambani-led REL at Hirma near Jharsuguda town. The REL is looking for a patch of 15,000 acre land to put up the world's largest coal-fired power project at a single location. If the proposal of 12,000 power project materialised, it would create another town of the size of Jharsuguda, for which the Directorate of Town Planning (DTP), Orissa, had earmarked 17,767 acres of land.However, a high-level clearance committee headed by the chief minister had given green signal for only 4,500 acre for 4,000 mw project in the first phase. Similarly, Posco is requiring 4,004 acre land near Paradip town for setting up India's largest steel project. However, the residential area for this port town was envisaged at around 5,500 acre. Kalinga Nagar, dubbed as the next steel manufacturing hub of the country where six steel projects are coming up, would overshadow the nearest Jajpur Road town in the coming days. The DTP had earmarked 1,082 acres land for residential purpose while 5,527 acres for commercial, industrial, transport, park and open spaces and other land use for the town. However, the project area would alone require 7,565 acres of land. If the townships of all the projects come up, the proposed land use would touch an astronomical figure. Vedanta resources plc has also proposed to set up a 'world class' university along the Puri-Konark marine drive, for which government has already promised 8,000 acres of land. As many as 56 companies, which have not signed MoU with the state government, have also informed the state-run Infrastructure Development Corporation of Orissa (IDCO) that they would require 24,616 acres. Altogether, the IDCO has so far allotted 25,151 acre of land to various industries. The districts which are likely to witness pressure on land are Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh,

Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Angul. Apart from the land required for the projects, the demand is likely to rise further when mining work starts in Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Angul districts. The land stress is also apprehended to get more critical when all infrastructures would be erected to support the 'unexpected' industrialization that will take place in next six to seven years. In the meantime, industries as well as government have proposed to set up 12 Special Economic Zones in the state for which 15,310 acre land would be needed but part of it has already been included in the requirement shown by some major projects. Moreover, the state government on its own has started reserving land for downstream industries. The IDCO had already identified land under names like industrial estate, integrated industrial development centres and growth centres. Incidents of social tensions has already caused headache for the state government. In January last year, the problem related to acquisition of land for an indusrial project took a violent turn in Kalinga Nagar. As many as 13 tribals had been killed in police firing then. VILLAGERS PROTEST AGAINST ESSARS FENCING WORKS Statesman News Service Jagatsinghpur, Oct. 11: People of Bijayachandpur, Nugagada, Udayabat, Biswali and other villages were the latest to protest against the displacement caused by industrialisation. Agitated villagers led by Paradip Krushak Manch launched a protest against the proposed Essar steel plant near Paradip yesterday and stopped fencing activities at the site. The villagers said they would be adversely affected by the proposed plant and they would be robbed of their agricultural income. Some of them charged that they had not been included in the list of displaced families and hence, would not be entitled to any rehabilitation benefit. Officials, however, said Paradip Port Trust had acquired the land initially and returned it to the revenue department in 1987. Of the 1,500 acres returned by the PPT, the government had given 1,100 acres for the Oswal fertilizer unit which sold the plant to the Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative last year. The state government provided another 100 acres of land to this company for its expansion proposal. About 177 acres of land continued to be under cultivation by people of Bijayachandpur village and they were not evicted although they were technically encorachers for a long time. Now, Essar has acquired the land for its proposed steel plant and has started fencing work triggering protests by the villagers. Villagers said some of them had moved the courts against the eviction. They want ownership of the land saying that they had been cultivating it for

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land from the tribals in the name of industrialisation. Addressing thousands of tribals gathered in front of the tehsildars office, the leaders condemned the ban imposed on Chasi Muliya Sangh by the state government and also demanded to lift the ban with immediate effect. Paidamma, demanded withdrawal of cases filed against Nachika Linga and Wadeka Sam, along with those against scores of other members of the Sangh. These people were arrested recently for their involvement with the banned organisation and for allegedly having connections with the Maoists. Linga and Sam were arrested by Koraput police three months ago. But KALINGA NAGAR BOILS AGAINST TATA PROJECT Ms Paidamma, claiming their innocence, demanded withdrawal of all the cases levied against them. The tribals Statesman News Service were being trapped by goons who are trying to suppress the Jajpur, Oct.11: Another confrontation seems imminent in tribal masses, she added. Kalinga Nagar, the steel hub of Orissa, with the Vistapan Highlighting the achievement of the Sangh, she said that the Virodhi Janmanch, the umbrella outfit of the agitators, daily wage earners were getting their basic minimum wages deciding to lay siege to site where the proposed construction in the locality because of the intervention of the Sangh. of Tata Steel to be taken up and daring the Naveen Patnaik Targeting the big companies trying to take away the government to come forward to lift the 10-month-old road precious mines of bauxite, coal, iron-ore, chromite and other blockade in Ambagadia on the Paradip-Daitari Express valuable minerals, she urged the tribal masses to be aware Highway. To counter the Vijaya Yatra of the ruling BJD of the ill intentions of these companies and to fight against here, the Janmanch organised a show of strength here it. She alleged that efforts were on to suppress the voice of yesterday. the tribal masses. Speaking on the occasion, the secretary of The rally started from the ground at Ambagadia, where the CPI (ML) state unit, Mr Gananath Patro demanded the Kalinga Nagar victims were cremated, and moved to restoration of land to the tribals and issue of land pattas to Champa Koila, Gobarghati, Chandia, Masadia, Mirigichara, the tribals, recognising their rights on the land, water and Belahuri and Nilachal Colony villages, a stretch of about forest. While there was a clear swing on the demands made eight km before reaching Ambagadia for the protest meet. by the tribals and their supporters, a local Mr Jugal Bidika The meeting was held under the leadership of Vistapan asked Mr Patro to look into the illegal occupation of the Virodhi Janamanch conveyor and imprisoned tribal leader land belonging to non-tribals by the tribals amounting to Mr Rabindra Jarika. Among others, Janamanch president about 45 acres in Podapsdar, Baliaput and Basanaput Mr Chakradhar Hibru (senior), Mr Rajendra Kalundia, Mr villages recently and demanded restoration of land to the Dobar Kalundia, Mr Mathura Hunhaga, Turampurty and Ms real owners. Mr Patro did assure to look into the matter and Sini Soi addressed the gathering. They said: The do justice to the non-tribals too in such cases. The Sangh government is doing nothing for the tribals, especially those handed over their memorandum to the additional tahsildar losing their land. The tribals facing displacement because of and informed that it would also stage a demonstration in industrialisation in Kalinga Nagar are ready for a final front of the office of the district collector on the 12th, of this showdown. Vistapan Virodhi Janamanch president Mr month to press their demands. Chakradhar Hibru (senior) said they would block the Tata Steel project which was against tribals PEOPLE WARN OF AGITATION AGAINST NTPC PLANT TRIBALS FIGHT FOR RIGHT TO LAND Statesman News Service Statesman News Service Angul, Oct 6: The affected people of NTPC Kaniha power Koraput, Oct 10: Tribal leaders from Chasi Muliya plant have warned the authorities of agitation against any Adivasi Sangh demanded the immediate cancellation of further displacement. No job in lieu of land, insufficient leasing land for mining activities in undivided district of peripheral developmental grant on one hand and on the Koraput. The show of strength by the tribals was emphatic other hand, people are subjected to water pollution and other as the rally turned out to be one of the largest ever in the hazards, alleged Mahila Sangram and Sanskrit Manch, rural pocket of Narayanpatna with equal participation from leaders of the movement. In a notice to the authorities they women folk. The president of the Sangh, Ms Pondagori put forth a 12-point demands. The villagers will stage a Paidamma, raised slogans against the move to take away decades and were paying water cess and revenue as well. The protesters said the land valuation in Paradip area would be Rs 10 to 12 lakh per acre but government sold land at Rs 3 lakh per acre. The farmers of Bijyachandpur, Udyabat, Biswali, Paradipgarh, Bhutmundai, Nuagarh and other villagers have formed Paradip Krushak Manch under the leadership of Mr Kapil Chandra Samantray. The Manch held protest meetings in Paradip and threatened to stop the steel project if their demands were not met. They have stopped the fencing work at the site.

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protest if they remains unfulfilled. Mahila Sangathan leaders company, the CM said it would be taken up after the alleged that the village roads were damaged due to the company reached the benchmark as enshrined in the policy. transportation of fly-ashes by the overloaded heavy vehicles. The DGM of NTPC Mr Hari Kumar said BASIC FACILITIES BEFORE MINE WORK: VILLAGERS peripheral works will be undertaken in consultation with the Newindpress.com authorities and the trucks will be allowed to ply only at Koraput, Oct 5: Mixed responses came to the fore during night. the public hearing camp organised by Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) and Aditya Aluminium Company at JINDAL NEARS MARK Bhalujodi recently. The majority of villagers from Bhalujodi, Birijodi, Rajanpanasguda and Singaram under Statesman News Service Bhubaneswar, Oct. 4: Jindal Steel and Power is confident Laxmipur block agreed to support the environmental of completing land acquisition for its proposed project in clearance exercise for Kodinga Mali bauxite mine at the Angul by the end of the current year and commencing meeting. construction work by next year to keep with the scheduled As per the project proposal of Aditya Aluminium, the start of the first phase production of its 6 MT steel plant by company would be acquiring 2,000 acres of government and 2009. Expressing his satisfaction with the pace of progress, private land in Koraput and Rayagada districts. While Mr Navin Jindal, the managing director and executive vice- Kodinga Mali hill is in Laxmipur block of the district, the president of Jindal Steel & Power, told reporters here today refinery has been planned at Kangsariguda village in that the company had already placed orders worth Rs 2,000 Rayagada district. However, some villagers demanded that crore and issued letter of credit for over Rs 577 crore for the both the projects be set up in Laxmipur block to prevent project. We have letters of comfort from banks, financial displacement. Others demanded basic facilities like health, institutions, including some foreign banks, he said, while education, communication and electricity prior to operating asserting that the work on the project was on schedule to the mine. They also sought a training school for youths, employment in the company and consolidated pension for meet various deadlines. Jindal Steel & Power proposes to set up a 6 MT steel plant the old. The company should also organise a door-to-door and a 100 MW captive power plant in Angul. Mr Navin campaign to understand the problems of the locals, said a Jindal met chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik here today and villager. the latter was appraised of the progress of the project. He Aditya Aluminium Chief Executive Officer Suryanaryan explained to the chief minister that he had come to take Bounta said the refinery project cost is estimated at Rs stock of the progress achieved so far. The State Pollution 3,700 crore and would be commissioned by 2010. Kodinga Control Board has already given environment clearance for Mali is a joint venture of OMC and Aditya Aluminium. the project and permission to draw water from the Brahmani Stating that there is zero displacement in Kodinga Mali has also been given, informed the industrialist. Highlighting mines, he said compensation would be given within six the peripheral development work undertaken by his months according to the new rehabilitation and recompany, he said mobile hospitals and electrification of settlement policy of the government. The company is also villages had already been taken up. He also informed that planning a 650-mw smelter plant at Lapang village in the company planned to establish a school, besides taking Sambalpur district to produce final aluminium. On measures up 15 water supply projects in the area. With regards to being taken by the company for periphery development, mining lease, he said the company had already applied for a Bounta said parallel plantation would be taken up by the lease but had no immediate plans for a Special Economic company at Kodinga Mali to protect the environment. Among others, Additional District Magistrate H.K. Behera, Zone. Asked about the land acquisition which is considered as a Zilla Parishad president Chandrama Saunta, OMS official S. major problem, Mr Jindal felt it would not be a hindrance to Sahu and scientist L. Alhi from Environment and Forest the project since local people were extremely helpful. Department were present. Eighty per cent of the 5,750 acres of land required for the project belong to private parties. Mr Jindal said the project POSCO ADAMANT ON STEEL PLANT would provide direct employment to 10,000 people and Statesman News Service indirect jobs to another 20,000. Chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik told reporters after his meeting with Mr Jindal that Jagatsinghpur, 0ct 19: Continuing with its efforts to he was satisfied with the progress of the project. Asked convince people about the project, Posco-India officials told about grant/recommendation of mining lease for the the media here today that they had redrawn the layout for their mega steel plant project 60 times to minimise

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displacement of people. Responding to speculations over shifting the present site, vice president (environment) Mr KW Sung said the alternate patch being considered was not a suitable one as it was completely waterlogged. He reaffirmed the companys unwavering commitment to establish the project in the state and said the site selection for the plant as well as the port had been done after conducting a careful study of the all aspects. The alternate patch of land was being considered to avoid displacing people from Dhinkia, Nuagaon and Gadakujang where a strong resistance from the inhabitants has been impeding the project. In fact some of those connected with the project said that once the question of shifting the site was raised, the company could as well look at other states which would welcome such invetment. Speculations over shifting the site had cropped up after some of those leading the resistance movement had suggested an area of Gadaharishpur panchyat under Kujang tahsil which does not have any betel vine or habitation for the project. Allaying fears over the possible adverse effects of setting up the proposed port, Mr Sung said the location at Jatadhari mouth had been selected after detailed study by experts. The survey of Posco port has been completed by the consultants of National Institute of Oceanography, Danish Hydraulic Institute and Consultant Engineering services. The reports have shown that there will be no adverse impact on the sea tide. Mr Ho Chan Riu of the company said a comprehensive R&R plan and periphery development programme had been drawn up. He said 48,000 jobs would be created. GOVT READY TO TALK TO POSCO-HIT: NAVEEN Pioneer News Service Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday agreed to personally accept a memorandum from activist Medha Patkar and said his Government was ready for talks with the people to be affected by the Posco steel project. Reacting to the protest demonstration, led by Patkar in front of his residence, Patnaik told newspersons that he had no problem for talks with the affected people as well as with Patkar, but there were some legal procedures for talks. The State Government is well aware about the fate of displaced people of Jagatsinghpur district and it has already chalked out a comprehensive Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy for them, he said, while referring to the statistics given by Patkar that 40,000 people were likely to lose their homes if the Posco project came up. "I personally invited both BD Sharma (president of Bharat Jan Andolan) and Patkar, but they did not turn up for talks," Patnaik said. The local administration has been in close touch with the affected people and proper justice would be given to all those

displaced," he made it clear. Meanwhile, the police arrested about 100 protesters, while they were trying to march towards the Chief Minister's residence, Naveen Nivas. Two protesters were injured due to a scuffle with the police and admitted at Capital Hospital where their conditions are stated to be stable. Earlier, about 150 people, a majority of them women, led by Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Patkar, staged a demonstration outside the residence of the Chief Minister, protesting the proposed establishment of the Posco project near Paradip. Shouting slogans against the Chief Minister and his Government, they vowed not to allow the 12million-tonne project to come up. The anti-Posco demonstrators, who have been sitting on a dharna on the Mahatma Gandhi Marg here for over three weeks, suddenly took out a procession and marched towards the Chief Minister's residence. The police, apparently not prepared for such an eventuality, were caught napping as the protestors virtually ran towards their destination near the airport. The few police personnel present could not stop the demonstrators, who reached the main gate of Naveen Nivas. Later, there was a scuffle between them and the protestors. The police soon took away over 50 people in a truck, even as the other protesters continued to shout slogans demanding an audience with the Chief Minister. Talking to reporters on the spot, Patkar said she had fixed a deadline of 18 hours on Saturday for the Government to respond to the demand of the protestors for an open discussion with them on the controversial project. "When the deadline expired, we decided to come to the Chief Minister's residence to talk to him," she said. Bhubaneswar Range DIG YB Khurania and Khurda SP Amitabh Thakur, who were present there, held discussions with Patkar and the Bharat Jan Andolan leader BD Sharma, who were also among the protesters. The police officers invited the leaders to present their memorandum to the Chief Minister, but the latter insisted that they would agree to go inside only after the arrested persons were released. BETEL LEAF MAY WIN BATTLE AGAINST STEEL Pioneer News Service Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: The battle of betel leaf and steel which has been going on in Orissa's Jagatsinghpur district for the last 15 months may end soon. The dispute began after the State Government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korean steel major Posco on June 22, 2005 for a US $ 12bn Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) steel plant. While Posco wants to acquire 4,004 acres for its proposed 12-mtpa integrated steel project, the locals are opposed to it on the ground that they grow betel vines on the land proposed to be handed over to the company. There

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are over 2,000 betel vines in the villages to be acquired for the steel project. But the villagers, who saw to it that no company representative or any Government officials entered their area, spread the red carpet when Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and Jagatsinghpur District Collector Satyabrata Sahu visited the place on Sunday. District SP YK Jethwa was also allowed to enter the 'prohibited' zone. "No Government officials were allowed inside our area since 15 months," said Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti president Abhaya Sahoo. RDC Mohapatra, who has been assigned to ensure that Posco gets requisite land at any cost, was, dumbfounded as thousands of women announced that they would not leave an inch of land for the steel project. After an on-the-spot inquiry into several betel vines, Mohapatra asked the local tehsildar and other revenue officials to look for an alternative site for the Posco project. "We feel the RDC has understood our plight," said Manorama Khatua, a woman leader of the PPSS. "We appealed to the RDC with folded hands not to destroy our betel vines as this is our livelihood," pointed out Sanju Mantri, a housewife at Dhinkia village. Sources said that there was a perceptive change in the attitude of the administration after the RDC and Collector visited the spot. They now realise that no Government can compensate the loss if the place is given for a steel project. According to PPSS, the villagers have suggested an alternative site in the Badatamanda area in the same Kujang tehsil to locate the steel project. "The place has no human habitation and only consists of barren field. The Government may allow the area for the industry," said Collector Sahu. POSCO SETS ORISSA DEADLINE FOR LAND Sandeep Mishra, Times News Network Bhubaneswar, Oct 7: Irked by tardy progress, the South Korean company Posco has set a one month deadline for land acquisition failing which it has threatened to shift its project site out of Kujang in Orissa. Sources said PoscoIndia deputy MD Tae-Hyun Jeong and other company officials went to Kujang on Thursday to review the progress of land acquisition there for its 12 million tonne mega steel plant. At the meeting Jeong told the local Tehsildar that the company would be forced to look for alternative sites for its Rs 51,000 crore project if land acquisition is not completed within 30 days. Jeong's threat came nearly three weeks after Posco-India CMD Soung-Sik Chos admission that the company was facing difficulties in land acquisition and mining leases matters. This was the first time Posco representatives dropped threats to relocate their project since signing the MoU with Orissa government on June 22, 2005 for a steel plant and captive

port. Posco needs 4,004 acres of land for its project, of which state government so far has handed over 1,135 acres. The company, is yet to take possession because the land is situated in the middle of the proposed project site and unless the whole land, including around 3,500 acre government land is acquired, work cannot take off, sources pointed out. Moreover, Posco representatives are worried over the fact that they are not able to enter the three gram panchayats Dhinkia, Gobindapur and Nuagaon, from where villagers would be displaced if the project comes up. Posco officials refused to give their reactions to the development. Though many consider it as a pressure tactic, the development has taken the administration aback. The chief ministers office, on receiving the information, has asked Jagatsinghpur collector to expedite the land acquisition process, while DGP Amarananda Pattanayak has spoken to the Jagatsinghpur SP. The threat seems to have stemmed from resistance the company is facing from local villagers and some organisations over a year and comes at a time when different organisations have been doing agitations protesting the project, including some activists now sitting on a fast-onto-death here since about two weeks. "Posco had hired 232 volunteers in the project area for socio-economic survey and also engaged a consultant for topographic survey. But nothing is progressing, upsetting the company plans. As such the project is running six months behind schedule. Unless things are expedited the company apprehends it will not meet its deadline for commissioning the first phase in 2010,"a source said. POSCO PROMISES JOBS TO DISPLACED FAMILIES Orissa Diary News Bhubaneswar, Oct 4: Steel major Posco-India today promised to provide jobs to at least one member of each family displaced for its project, besides imparting vocational training to the ousted persons. Chairman and managing director of Posco-India Mr Soung-Sik Cho said, the company informed that vocational training programme for the first batch of 30 would start this month itself. The company will give employment to one member each from those families who were originally displaced and those who had lost all agricultural land, in accordance with the provision of the R&R Policy formulated by the state government. To upgrade the skills of local youths, the company will impart training to persons in the age group of 14-30 for increased employability. These training programmes will be conducted free of costs, said a release issued by Posco-India here today. The tuition fee as well as expenses for uniforms, accommodation and food will be borne by the company till the completion of training. The first training batch will start

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this month and will continue for six months. About 30 selected trainees will be admitted to the Centre for Industrial Training, Jagatsinghpur, under the aegis of Dr Rushi Kumar Mohanty of Institute of Education & Technology. Chairman and managing director of Posco-India Mr SoungSik Cho said the welfare of the families coming under their project site was high on their priority list and company would make all possible efforts to ensure the locals ~ who were directly and indirectly affected by the project ~ a better life for tomorrow. He emphasised that Posco-India would provide employment to all the displaced families. To increase their employability, vocational training programmes will be conducted at regular intervals. Mr Priyabrata Pattnaik, the principal secretary of department of commerce and transport and nodal officer of Posco-India, said that Posco was a reputed company worldwide and government was certain about its commitment towards the local community. He further added that this vocational training programme has been initiated as a win-win situation for both locals and the company. On one hand, there will be availability of skilled manpower for the constructions of the plant, while on the other hand, trained youth will have better opportunities for employment. Posco-India plans to construct its Training Centre at Sandhakuda in Jagatsinghpur to conduct skill upgradation training programmes. POSCO, 8 OTHER COMPANIES TO DEVELOP PARADIP - HARIDASPUR RAILWAY LINE SPV Orissa Diary News Mumbai, Oct 7: Steel major Posco and eight other companies have confirmed their participation in the Rs590crore special purpose vehicle (SPV) to develop the ParadipHaridaspur railway line. The nine companies are expected to sign the shareholders' agreement shortly. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Railways, with equity of 48 per cent, will lead the SPV. Posco (India) Private Limited, the Indian subsidiary of Posco, would pick up 10 per cent equity, the sources said. The other players include Paradip Port Trust (10 per cent), Essel Mining Industries Limited (10.91 per cent), Rungta Mining and Industries Limited (10.91 per cent), MSPL Mining (5.45 per cent), Jindal Steel and Power Limited (1.82 per cent), SAIL (1.82 per cent) and Infrastructure Development Corporation of Orissa (0.66 per cent). The total debt-equity ratio in the SPV would be 1:1. "Decks have been cleared for the signing of shareholders' agreement for the SPV with an objective to manage logistics in a very cost effective way," RVNL sources said. The SPV was floated by RVNL along with five other players and the MoU was signed on May 25, 2005. Subsequently, POSCO,

SAIL and MSPL joined the consortium considering favourable rate of return in the project. RVNL has taken up 10 projects under the National Rail Vikas Yojana for implementation in West Bengal and Orissa. Four of them are in West Bengal and six in Orissa. These include new railway projects, doubling of lines, construction of a third as well as fourth line and electrification of railway tracks. The Orissa projects include the 12-km Cuttack-Barang line (Rs127 crore), to be completed in 2007-08; the 20-km Rajatgarh-Barang line (Rs166 crore), to be completed in 2007-08; and the 35-km Barang-Khurda line (Rs133 crore), to be completed in 2007-08. The one in West Bengal, the 59-km Panskura-Haldia project, is estimated to cost Rs247 crore. The project is expected to be completed in 2008-09 TROUBLE LURKS FOR VEDANTAS ALUMINA PROJECT IN ORISSA Dilip Bisoi Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: London-based Vedanta Resources, which has almost completed its 1.4 million tonne alumina project in Orissas Kalahandi district, may be aspiring to commission the project in December 2006, but troubles are not yet over for it. Tribals in Langigarh, the block in which the $874-million project is coming up, are gearing up to take seige of Niryamgiri hill, the bauxite mines alloted to Vedanta. The tribals are planning to organise rituals to purify the hill, which, according to them, has lost its sanctity due to the entry of Vedanta officials. Last week, the project faced serious opposition from tribals who, attired in their traditional dress and armed with weapons, staged a demostration in Langigarh. They celebrated Dussehra with burning the effigy of the project, which, according to them, symbolised the demon, Ravana. Jibika Banchao Andolan, an NGO fighting for the displaced people, has also sought the intervention of President APJ Abdul Kalam to save the tribals from being displaced. The resistance movement has gathered momentum with Bhakta Das, former Union railway minister and a prominent Congress leader, taking up cudgels against the project. Das, who has built his political career through mass movements, is considered a potential danger for the project. He catapulted Kalahandi district to global limelight by highlighting poverty and starvation deaths in the early 1980s. Mining activities in the Niyamgiri hills will destroy the already fragile ecology of Kalahandi district, says Das. According to him, destruction of the forest will dry up the water streams and ruin the livelihood of the tribals. To sensitise the people about the exotic flora and fauna of the Niyamgiri hill, the Wildlife Society of Orissa (WSO) recently organised a photo-exhibition in Bhubaneswar. The purpose is to make people realise that the Niyamgiri, which

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faces destruction, is a treasure of rich flora and fauna, says Biswajit Mohanty, secretary, WSO. Vedanta, through its group company Sterlite Aluminium, signed an agreement in 2004 with the Orissa government to set up an alumina refinery in Kalahandi and an aluminium smelter and power plant in Jharsuguda district. The company entered into an agreement with the Orissa Mining Corporation to jointly operate the Niyamgiri bauxite mines. Notwithstanding local resistance, Vedanta went ahead with its project work and has almost completed the refinery. It has started importing bauxite though Vizag port to start trial productions. The project has courted one controversy after another ever since it was launched. The Supreme Court-appointed environment empowered committee has strongly recommended against the location of the project. The Court has now directed the Wildlife Institute of India and the Central Mining Planning and Designing Institute, Ranchi, to study the environmental impact of the project. Project officials are facing prosecution for cutting trees in forest land. Now, with the Green Kalahandi movement under the leadership of Bhakta Das spearheading the resistance movement, the road ahead will be rough for Vedanta. Green Kalahandi has already garnered support from all Opposition political parties, including the Congress. It has also taken along with it splinter groups fighting for tribal rights. Clearly, theres serious trouble ahead for Vedantas alumina project. ORISSA'S RURAL POOR DIG INTO PAST TO FIGHT MINE COMPANIES The Telegraph Group Lanjigarh, Oct 10: Facing a garlanded photograph of Mahatma Gandhi, propped on an old plastic chair, a small group of villagers pump their fists defiantly into the air. "Inquilab Zindabad," they chant. "Long live the revolution." Last century, this slogan was the rallying cry of opposition to British rule in India. But today the rural poor are fighting a new foe - the giants of the international mining industry. This particular protest, in the poor eastern state of Orissa, is one voice in a mounting chorus of opposition to a series of multi-billion pound mining projects underpinning the region's rush for economic development. The protesters say the mining companies and their shareholders are getting rich, as are the politicians who issue them with mining licenses, while the poor are left with nothing but token compensation. The target of Sunday's demonstration in the tiny Orissa town of Lanjigarh is Vedanta Resources Plc, a FTSE-100 listed mining giant which, three years ago, began building a 400 million alumina refinery in the lee of the bauxite-rich Niyamgiri Hills. Despite being criticized by India's Supreme Court for "blatant violations" of the

country's planning and conservation laws, the vast tangle of pipes, tanks and chimneys has continued to rise from the jungle, which is home to some its most ancient tribes. It is a sight that encapsulates the incongruities of modern India. As construction continues, the villagers plant rice paddies and herd buffalo up to the boundary walls. "Some government men came and told us a factory was being built," recalls Katari Majhi, a 60-year-old villager. "Then they took our land and built a wall around it. They said the factory would bring money and jobs." What the government men failed to add, says Majhi, is that the bauxite ore for the plant would come from the Niyamgiri Hills. Environmentalists say mining the hills would pollute the rivers that flow from the hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland upon which 300,000 people depend. Pollution: The process of refining bauxite into alumina is also heavily polluting, creating millions of gallons of toxic "red mud", which is stored near the village. B.C. Das, a former railways minister, has helped to lead the villagers' protest, which culminated with the Supreme Court ordering a stay on the mining lease pending environmental studies. "We are not anti-development," he says, "but we don't share the government's and Vedanta's view of the cost-benefit analysis. A tiny handful of people stand to get rich by this deal while lakhs [hundreds of thousands] of people will be made poorer." Das said huge irrigation projects in the last 20 years had turned the district of Khalahandi into a net exporter of rice, with 100,000 people working in mills. "That has enriched the masses," he said. "This refinery will employ only a few hundred local people while it deprives thousands more of their livelihoods."

**ANGUL**
TALCHER COALFIELD IN TROUBLED TIMES Newindpress.com Talcher, Oct 19: Talcher Coalfield, which accounts for about 10 percent coal output of the entire Coal India Limited, is in troubled times due to the frequent agitations over rehabilitation. Things have come to such a pass that at times armed police have to be deployed to bring the situation under control. However, neither the Ministry of Coal nor the State Government has given any attention to this gnawing problem. The dissolution of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee and the delay by the new committee in place to deal with these issues have aggravated the situation, sources said. Unlike earlier times, the Coalfields having six mega open cast coalmines has fallen behind the targeted production in the first half of the current fiscal as per MCL records. If the situation fails to improve, then the coal company may remain far behind the annual target affecting thermal power

21

stations in the country. It may be noted that Talcher Coalfields normally generates about 70 percent of the total MCL production. Sources said while the oustees have been demanding jobs for their land, MCL has not been able to meet their demand. This has been the case in villages like Jilinda, Rackus, Gopalprasad, Soloda and nearby areas. In fact, villagers of Jilinda want 309 jobs before the new mine, Bhubaneswari, opens. But MCL wants to take up the employment issue only after the mine comes up. The mines which have been badly affected by the oustees stir are Hingula, Bharatpur, Jagannath, Ananata and Kalinga, which together produce more than a lakh tonne of coal daily. Meanwhile, MCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Abhiram Sharma has made it clear that the coal company cannot afford to give jobs like before as it is burdened with surplus staff after the recent closure of Balanda, Handidhua and Deulbera mines. He, however, added that if some new open cast and underground mines open, then the company may be in a position to absorb more people. Dharmendra Pradhan, MP, has blamed the UPA Government policy for the crisis. He accused the Centre of squeezing jobs meant for the oustees by going for outsourcing in the coal-mining areas. He made it clear that no job meant no land LIFE UNDER THREAT AS EXPENDED MINES GO WITHOUT SAND FILLING Pioneer News Service Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: The huge misappropriation of funds earmarked for sand filling in the coal belt has triggered a serious debate on the safety of life and property of the people of mining areas around Talcher. President of the Brahmani Anchal Suraksha Parishad (BASP) Bhibhudendra Pratap Das said coal production had already been completed in the Deoulabeda Colliery, but no sand filling had been done so far in these areas. Due to the apathetic attitude of the coal authorities many ponds and wells have formed in this area. Crores of rupees have already been wasted on sand fillings but on ground nothing shows. No action has been taken for underutilisation of funds. Talcher also lies on the earthquake zone, which makes it more important for its used up mines to be filled up with sand. In 1980, the coal authorities had given assurance that no mining would be undertaken in the area, which might endanger the life and property of the people. As there is no sand filling, landslides have occurred at least eight times in the recent past. On October 12, Mahanadi Coal Fields Limited assured steps would be taken for sand filling. But can it give a guarantee there would not be any landslide in the future?

**SAMBALPUR**
A DESERT IN THE MAKING Statesman News Service Sambalpur, Oct. 31: The Water Initiatives Orissa has said that many parts of the state, particularly in the western and southern upland, have developed symptoms of desertification and had degraded from drought- prone to desert-prone zones. The WIO claimed that it had carefully studied the problem of productivity loss of land and its findings were substantiated by a public perception survey conducted by Sambalpur-based NGO, Manav Adhikar Seva Samiti. The findings of WIO, a half-decade-old campaign, were published in its newsletter Panira Dagara (the water messenger). This report claims that in just 13 years, from 1991-92 to 2004-05, severely degraded land in the state has increased by 136 per cent, while barren land has increased by 69 per cent and land converted to non-agricultural uses has increased by 34 per cent. This is about seven per cent of Orissas total geographical area. By 2004-05, as high as 17.5 per cent of Orissa has turned into barren or unsuitable for agriculture. By taking into account the way mineral and water guzzling heavy industries are being pushed, the rate in which forest cover is thinning in the state, the rapidity with which the climate is showing changes and the rate at which degradation is increasing, it is feared that the state may become a desert even faster. In mining and industrial districts such as Rayagada and Jharsuguda, agriculture lands are already shrinking. In Rayagada district, unproductive land is nearly 174 per cent higher than cultivable land. Such land is as high as two third of Jharsugudas total cultivable area. It has been estimated that 29 lakh hectares of land have already turned barren. According to state agriculture department statistics, about 4.33 million hectares of Orissas 6.56 million hectares of agricultural land suffer from severe erosion and declining fertility. That is as high as 66 per cent of total agricultural land. The climatic changes are indicative of this fact, it said. WIO referred to meteorologist Professor UC Mohantys study which has revealed that rainfall days are reducing by a day in every five years in the state. Information gathered from governments rainfall records have revealed that rainfall in coastal districts of Balasore, Puri and Ganjam has increased, while in the western and southern parts of Orissa it has decreased drastically. While the global mean temperature rose by 0.5 degree Celsius in the last 50 years that of Orissa rose by 1 degree Celsius, noted the WIO study. Weather is becoming alarmingly extreme. Referring to the massive investment

22

coming to the industrial sector, the WIO states conservative estimates have shown that if the proposed steel plants start functioning, they alone will emit 392 million tones of carbon dioxide by 2010. Even international studies have indicated that by 2010, Orissa will emit 7 to 10 per cent of global green house gas emission. Two of the major rivers, Mahanadi and Bramhani, are already water stressed as far as irrigation and other use are concerned. Though the government claims to have created irrigation potential for 41 per cent of cultivable lands, the fact that agriculture productions still fluctuate wildly in line with rainfall and the fact that agriculture sector growth in the state has plummeted to negatives is a matter of serious concern. When the whole world has geared up to mitigate the challenges of desertification, situation in Orissa is starkly the opposite and the government seems unconcerned about it all, remarked the WIO. The state should commit itself to reverse the process of desertification if it is serious about poverty eradication and sustainable development, stated the report VILLAGERS PROTEST AGAINST PROPOSED MITTAL PROJECT Pioneer News Service Sambalpur, Oct 20: Thousands of villagers protested against the proposed Mittal Steel plant in Chiplima area in a public meeting organised at Bhalumundia village under Basantpur gram panchayat on Tuesday. Villagers of Kalamati, Basantpur and Kardola participated in the protest. Later, the villagers submitted a memorandum to local MLA and Commerce and Transport Minister Jayanarayan Mishra, who was present at the meeting. Sources said the company had selected three places including Chiplima in the State to set up a steel plant in 10,000 acres of land. Mittal Steelwas keen on setting up the plant in the area as about 6,000 acres of land had been acquired by the State Government for Hirakud Stage-2 Project.

23

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES IN OCTOBER 06

**Month October 2006**

Name of the Company and its Place of Operation

Capacity of the Project

Date of Notice for Public Hearing

Date of Public Hearing

Place of Public Hearing

Notification Number of MoEF

Expansion of Dungri Capacity of Lime Lime Stone Quarry & Stone Quarry Installation of a Lime 1.263 MTPA to Dungri Limestone Stone Crushing Unit 2.858 MTPA 20.12.2006 at Quarry Area at 30/10/2006 of M/s ACC 11:00am Dungri in Bargarh Bargarh Cement Capacity of Lime District Works at Dungri in Stone Crushing Bargarh District Unit 600 TPH

No. S.O. 318 (E) dtd. 10/4/1997

24

PENDING PROJECTS WITH MOEF FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

PENDING INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS AS ON 31st OCTOBER 2006
Project Details Received On Status The proposal has been examined. Additional information sought on 21.01.2006 & 15.02.2006 and partial information received on 15.02.2006. NOC still awaited. Reminder sent on 01.03.2006. Information has been received. Project was considered in the EC(I) meeting held on 19.04.2006. Additional information sought on 01.05.2006. Reminder sent on 12.05.2006 and 12.06.2006. Information is received. The project authorities did not attend the meeting. Project authorities have been requested on 26.07.2006 to provide additional information to all the Expert Committee members. The proposal was re-considered in the EC(I) meeting held on 23.08.2006. File processed & submitted for final orders on 08.09.2006. The proposal has been examined. Additional information sought on 27.04.2006 has been received. The proposal was considered in EC(I) meeting held on 21.06.2006. After detailed deliberations, the Expert Committee (Industry) decided to reconsider the proposal for environmental clearance after submission of additional information and comments of the Wildlife section of the Ministry followed by site visit by the sub-committee of the Expert Committee (Industry). Additional information sought on 08.08.2006 is submitted on 22.09.2006. The proposal was reconsidered in the EC(I) meeting held on 26.10.2006.

Project No: J-11011/7/2006IA.II(I) Project Name:6.0 MT Integrated steel Plant District:Jaipur, Kalingnagar Village:Chandia, Company:M/s Tata Steel Ltd.

06/01/2006

Project No: J-11011/144/2006IA.II(I) Project Name:250,000 TPA aluminium Smelter Plant District:Jharsuguda Village:Bhurkamunda Company:M/s Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Project No: J-11011/323/2006IA.II(I) Project Name:Modernization and expansion of paper production by 85000 TPA District:Balasore Village:Balgopalpur Company:M/s Emami Paper Mills Ltd. Project No: J-11011/346/2006IA.II(I) Project Name:Expansion of Steel Plant 0.150 MTPA Sponge Iron, 0.148 MTPA Pig Iron, 0.130 MTPA of Steel, 0.123 MTPA Stenless Steel , 20 MW Power Plant (WARB), 18 MW (AFBC) District:Sundargarh, Village:Chadri Hariharpur Company:M/s Adhunik Metallics Ltd.. Project No: J-11011/352/2006IA.II(I) Project Name:Expansion of

12/04/2006

26/09/2006

The proposal was examined & considered in the EC(I) meeting held on 27.10.2006. Additional information sought on 31.10.2006.

11/10/2006

Submitted Form 1 for Scoping as per the September 2006 Notification. The proposal is under examination.

18/10/2006

The proposal is under examination.

Cement plant District:Sundargarh Village:Rajnagar Company:M/s OCL India Limited. Project No: J-11011/357/2006IA.II(I) Project Name:Expansion of Sponge Iron Plant District:Kenjhor Village:Joda Company:M/s Tata Sponge Iron Ltd. Project No: J-11011/365/2006IA.II(I) Project Name:6.0 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant District:Angul Village:Kerjang Company:M/s Jindal Steel & Power Limited. Project No: J-11011/372/2006IA.II(I) Project Name:Expansion of Integrated Steel Plant from 1.2 MTPA to 2.2 MTPA District:Sambhalpur Village:Thelkoli Company:M/s Bhushan Power & Steel.

20/10/2006

The proposal has been examined. Additional information sought on 30.10.2006.

30/10/2006

The proposal is under examination.

31/10/2006

The proposal is under examination.

PENDING MINING PROJECTS AS ON 31st OCTOBER 2006

Project Details Project No: No.J11015/221/2005-IA.II(M) Project Name:Lanjigarh Bauxite Mine of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd., Districts Kalahandi and Raigarh District:Raigarh Company: Project No: No.J11015/388/2005-IA.II(M) Project Name:Narayan OC Iron & Mn. Mine, ML Area: 349.254 ha Prod. Capacity: 0.6 MTP (Iron Ore)7800 TPA (Mn.) District:Sundergarh Received On Status Additional information sought by Ministry received on 25.11.2005. Legal opinion sought on P.H. and NOC received. Expert Committee (Mining) considered the project on 27-29 March 2006. Clarifications as desired by the Expert Committee sought on 13.04.2006 on impact of mining on bio diversity, written commitment owning the commitments made by M/s Vedanta during public hearing for their implementation, output from the springs / streams, details of conveyor system for transportation of ore, AAQ, commitment from the competent authority regarding availability of water and power and refilled in questionnaire. Response awaited. Additional information sought by Ministry received on 10.01.2006. Expert Committee (Mining) reconsidered the project on 27-28 April 2006. Clarification sought from the proponent on water table, working depth and valley floor , revised questionnaire and public hearing. Response received on 06.06.2006. Under submission for orders on 08.09.2006.

13/06/2005

31/10/2005

26

Company:M/s Aryan Mining & Trading Corp. Project No: No.J11015/412/2005-IA.II(M) Project Name:Muhulsukha Manganese Ore Mine District:Keonjhar Company:M/s Aryan Mining Trading Corporation Pvt. Ltd. Project No: No.J11015/419/2005-IA.II(M) Project Name:Ispat Sukinda Chromite Mine District:Jajpur Company:M/s Balasore Alloys Ltd. Project No: J-11015/38/2006IA.II(M) Project Name:Ostapal Chromite Mines District:Jajpur Company:M/s Fero Alloys Corporation Ltd. Project No: J-11015/41/2006IA.II(M) Project Name:Patabeda Iron Ore Mine District:Sundergarh Company:M/s M.G. Mohanty Project No: No.J-11015/49/2006IA.II(M) Project Name:Malangtoli Iron Ore Mine District:Keonjhar Company:M/s Orissa Sponge Iron Ltd Project No: No.J-11015/75/2006IA.II(M) Project Name:Raikela Iron Ore Mine District:Sundergarh Company:M/s. S.N. Mohanty Project No: No.J11015/103/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Malda Manganese Mine District:Sundergarh Company:M/s Tata Steel Ltd. Project No: No.J11015/106/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Roida 'C' Iron & Manganese Ore Mining

29/11/2005

Project was received incomplete without PHR and NOC. PHR and NOC received on 26.06.2006. Additional information sought by Ministry received on 26.06.2006. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for 16-17th October, 2006.

19/12/2005

Project was received incomplete without PHR and NOC. PHR and NOC received on 16.06.2006. Additional Information received on 07.09.2006. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for 16-17th November, 2006.

14/02/2006

Expert Committee (Mining) considered the project on 17-19th May 2006. Clarification sought by the Expert Committee received on 22.06.2006. Proposal was re-considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) on 22-23 August 2006. Under submission for orders on 23.10.2006.

15/02/2006

Additional information sought by Ministry received along with the project. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for 18-19th September, 2006.

07/03/2006

Additional information sought by the ministry received along with the project. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for 18-19th September, 2006.

10/04/2006

Additional information sought by the ministry received along with the project. Proposal was considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) held on 16-17th October, 2006.

05/05/2006

Additional information sought by the Ministry received on 29.06.2006. Proposal was considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) held on 18-19th September, 2006.Addtional clarifications as desired by the Expert Committee awated. Proposal was considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) held on 18-20 July 2006. Clarification sought by the Expert Committee (Mining) received on 01.08.2006. Under submission for orders on 30.10.2006.

05/05/2006

27

District:Keonjhar Company:M/s IDCOL Kalinga Iron Works Project No: No.J11015/158/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Gonua Iron & Manganese Mine District:Sundergarh Company:M/s S.N. Mohanty Project No: No.J11015/184/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Naibaga Katupali Iron and Manganese Mining Project District:Keonjhar Company:M/s T.P. Mohanty Project No: No.J11015/202/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Talchar West UGP District:Sambalpur Company:M/s Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. Project No: No.J11015/201/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Jagannath UGP District:Angul Company:M/s Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. Project No: No.J11015/203/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Utkal D Coal Mining Project District:Angul Company:M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd. Project No: No.J11015/256/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Ballarpur Underground Mining Project District:Chandrapur Company:M/s WCL Project No: No.J11015/293/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Joruri Iron Ore Mining Project District:Keonjhar Company:M/s Kalinga Mining Corporation Project No: No.J11015/294/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Pistulipani Iron Ore Mining Project

12/06/2006

Additional information sought by Ministry received alongwith the project. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for 16-17th October, 2006.

27/06/2006

Additional information sought by the Ministry received on 11.07.2006. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for 16-17th November, 2006.

12/07/2006

Proposal was considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Thermal) on 7-8th August, 2006. Information sought by the Expert Committee (Thermal) awaited. Project to be reconsidered on receipt of information.

12/07/2006

Proposal was considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Thermal) on 7-8th August, 2006. Information sought by the Expert Committee (Thermal) awaited. Project to be reconsidered on receipt of information.

12/07/2006

Additional information sought by the Ministry received on 03.08.2006. Proposal was considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Thermal ) held on 10th October, 2006. To be processed for orders.

22/09/2006

Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for 10th October, 2006.

22/09/2006

Additional information sought by the Ministry is awaited.

22/09/2006

Additional information sought by the Ministry is awaited.

28

District:Keonjhar Company:M/s Gandhamardhan Sponge Industries (P) Ltd. Project No: No.J11015/105/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Roida-1 Iron Ore Mining Project District:Keonjhar Company:M/s Mid East Integrated Steels Ltd. Project No: No.J11015/104/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Bandhal Mangenese Mining Project District:Sundergarh Company:M/s Kanakdhara Project No: No.J11015/319/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Balda Block Iron Ore Mining Proejct District:Keonjhar Company:M/s Ferajuddin & Co. Project No: No.J11015/335/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Jalahuri Iron & Manganese Mining Project District:Keonjhar Company:M/s Mata Rock & Others Project No: No.J11015/309/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name:Utkal B1 Coal Mining Project District:Angul Company:M/s Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.

14/10/2006

Project initially received incomplete for want of NOC, approval letter and public hearing. Additional information sought by the Ministry is awaited.

14/10/2006

Project initially received incomplete for want of NOC, approval letter and public hearing. Additional information sought by the Ministry is awaited.

27/10/2006

Additional information sought by the Ministry received alongwith the project.

27/10/2006

Additional information sought by the Ministry is awaited.

27/10/2006

Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Thermal and Coal Mining) scheduled for 20-22nd November, 2006.

PENDING THERMAL PROJECTS AS ON 31st OCTOBER 2006

Project Details Project No: J-13011/5/2006IA.II(T) Project Name:4x125 MW Captive Power Project District:Jajpur Company:M/s Jindal Stainless Ltd. Project No: J-13011/10/2006IA.II(T) Project Name:675 MW (5x135 Received On Status Considered by the Expert Committee on 21.3.2006. The Committee had sought additional information. Based on the information received, the project was reconsidered in the meeting of the EC(T) on 14th June, 2006. The proponent could not clarify all the issues. Based on the clarifications received, project was further considered by the EC(T) in its meeting on 8th August, 2006. Clarification regarding land use of ash pond area had been sought from the proponent. The reply has since been received. The file is under submission. Considered by the Expert Committee on 21.3.2006. The Committee had sought additional information. Based on the information received, the project was reconsidered in the meeting

18/02/2006

07/04/2006

29

MW) Captive Power Plant for proposed Aluminium Smelter of 2,50,000 TPA Plant District:Jharsuguda Village:Bhurkamunda/Brundamal Company:M/s Vedanta Alumina Ltd.

of the EC(T) on 14th June, 2006. The proponent could not clarify all the issues. Based on the clarifications received, project was further considered by the EC(T) in its meeting on 8th August, 2006. Clarification regarding landuse of ash pond area had been sought from the proponent. The reply has since been received. The file is under submission

PENDING RIVER VALLEY & HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS AS ON 31st OCT 2006

Project Details Project No: J-12011/11/2006-IA.I Project Name:Ong Dam Project District:Bargarh Company:Water Resources Department, Govt of Orissa Received On Status Considered by E.C. on 17.5.06 & project authority was asked to submit revised EIA report as only two season's ecological data have been considered. As area of Chattisgarh State also comming under submergence. Comments of Chattisgarh Govt. regarding proposed R & R package also sought letter issued on 31.5.06, reply is still awaited.

04/05/2006

PENDING INFRASTRUCTURE & MISCELLANOUS PROJECTS AS ON 31st OCT 2006

Project Details Received On Project No: 11-28/2006-IA.III Project Name:CRZ clearance for diversion of 0.25 hectare of Forest land in Borhampur Division of ganjam District for construction of Light 29/05/2006 House at Parayagi, Orissa District:Ganjam Company:Directorate of Light House & Light Ships Project No: 10-9/2006-IA.III Project Name:EC for construction of a Captive Mnor Port. District:Distt. Jagatsinghpur 17/10/2006 Village:Jalardher Company:M/s POSCO India Pvt. Ltd. Status

Under Consideration

To be considered by EC.

PENDING NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS & INDUSTRIAL ESTATES

Project Details Project No: 21-429/2006-IA.III Project Name:EC for expansion project at E4 Infocity, Bhubaneshwar District:Bhubaneshwar Village:Bghubaneswar Company:M/s Onfosys, Bhubaneswar Received On Status

21/09/2006 To be considered by EC.

30

PENDING PROJECTS WITH MoEF FOR FOREST CLEARANCE

PENDING MINING PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006
Project Details File No:8-ORA104/2006-FCD Area:211.348 ha Description: Temporary Working Permission in SerendaBhadrasahi Mines in Keonjhar Forest Division in favour of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) Limited File No:8-ORA105/2006-FCD Area:64.7242 ha Description: Temporary Working Permission in Gandhamardan Block 'A' Mines in Keonjhar Forest Division in favour of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd Received On Status

SIR is awaited since 08.09.2006. Placed before 21 August 2006 FAC meeting on 30.08.2006. TWP granted for a period of 6 months over already 21 August 2006 broken up area vide letter dtd 14.09.06 placed before FAC meeting on 30.08.2006.

PENDING OTHER PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No:8(27)1/99-FCE Area:8.67 ha Description: Iron Ore based Industries of IPICOL Received On NULL Status

PENDING RAILWAY LINE PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No:8-22/1996-FC Area:48.25 ha Description: Lanjigarh-Junagarh BG Railway Line (56Km) Received On 1 February 1996 Status Information of field status awaited from Nodal officer on 9.05.2006

31

PENDING ENCROACHMENTS PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No:8-ORB070/2006-FCD Area:0.08 ha Description: Regularization of Encroachment File No:8-ORC071/2006-FCD Area:5.028 ha Description: Regularization of Encroachment File No:8-ORA072/2006-FCD Area:214.212 ha Description: Regularization of Encroachment File No:8-ORC069/2006-FCD Area:14.551 ha Description: Regularization of Encroachment File No:8-ORC075/2006-FCD Area:26.5985 ha Description: Regularization of Encroachment File No:8-ORA073/2006-FCD Area:65.241 ha Description: Regularization of Encroachment File No:8-ORA074/2006-FCD Area:504.5639 ha Description: Regularization of Encroachment File No:8-ORA076/2006-FCD Area:385.53 ha Description: Regularization of Encroachment Received On 6 July 2006 Status Site Inspection Report awaited since 08.08.2006. Reference File No. 8(29)10/2001-FCE Placed before FAC meeting on 27.10.2006. Under Process. Reference File No. 8(29)5/2000-FCE

6 July 2006

6 July 2006 Site Inspection Report awaited since 18.07.2006

6 July 2006

Placed before FAC meeting on 27.10.2006. Under Process. Reference File No 8(29)14/2002-FCE

6 July 2006 Placed before FAC meeting on 27.10.06 Under Process

6 July 2006 Placed before FAC meeting on 27.10.06.Under Process

6 July 2006

Site Inspection Report awaited since 18.07.2006. (492.5985 + 11.9654 = 504.5639 ha forest land)

6 July 2006 Site Inspection Report awaited since 18.07.2006.

32

PENDING IRRIGATION PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No:8(22)5/2002-Fce Area:3.387 Ha. Description:Kankandajore Minor Irrigation Project, Banki File No:8(22)1/2001-Fce Area:3.008 Ha. Description:Krupasagar Minor Irrigation Project Received On Null Status

Null

PENDING MINING PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No:8-31/2003-Fc Area:56.98 Ha. Description: Mining Lease Of Cat's Eye Mineral In Favouring Navyug Minerals Limited File No:8-14/2004-Fc Area:8.13 Ha. Description:Twp In F/O Budharaja Iron & Maganese Ore Mines For One Year Over 8.13ha Already Broken Up Forest Area File No:8-Ora047/2005-Fcd Area:294.5 Ha. Description:Temporary Working Permission For Sulapat Iron Mine Of Shri Biratchandra Dagara In Rairangpur Forest Division File No:8(21)43/2004-Fce Area:12.14 Ha. Description:Graphite Mine In Ganjaudhar By Sh. J.N. Agarwal File No:8(21)34/2004-Fce Area:14.739 Ha. Description:Diversion Of Forest Land In Favour Of M/S Patnaik Minerals Pvt Limited For Manganese Mines File No:8(21)4/2001-Fce Area:0.55 Ha. Description:Bangur Chromite Mines Of 0mc Ltd File No:8-Ora023/2005-Fcd Area:660.749 Ha. Description:Lanjigarh Bauxite Mining Project In Niyamgiri Rf And Nimagiri Proposed Rf Of Rayagada District In Favour Of Orissa Mining Corporation Received On 14 February 2003 Status Placed Before Fac Meeting On 27.10.2006. Eds 11.09.2003

10 March 2004

Application Of Ua Is Pending With State Mining Department

12 May 2005

Eds On 13/05/2005

Null

Regional Office Has Requested The State Govt To Furnish Information Last Reminded On 19.4.2005 Information Sought From State Govt On 14.7.2004, Reminded On 14.7.2004 And 19.4.2005, Still Not Received

13 April 2004

Null Placed Before Fac Meeting On 27.10.2006. Information Awaited 28 February 2005 From State Government Vide Order Dated 08.09.2006

33

File No:8(21)44/2004-Fce Area:2.841 Ha. Description:Graphite Mine By Sh. Tilak Raj Mediratta File No:8(21)12/2001-Fce Area:18.23 Ha. Description:Asbestos & Pyroxemite Mining By Bl Newatia File No:5-Orc006/2004-Bhu Area:11.565 Ha. Description:Twp Over Already Broken Up Area For Mining Of Iron And Manganese Ore In Favour Of Shri B K Mohanty

Null

Regional Office requested The State Govt to Furnish Information on 24.8.2004 and Reminded on 11.10.2004 and on 19.4.2005

Null

6 October 2004

PENDING ROAD LINE PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No:8(26)2/02-FCE Area:1.457 ha. Description:DAITARI-BANSPANI RLY LINK ROAD, PALASPANG-BAMEBARI Received On NULL Status

PENDING OTHER PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No:8-14/1999-FC Area:32 ha. Description:SWERAGE TREATMENT SYSTED & UTILIATIM SYSTEM File No:8(21)16/2002-FCE Area:0.188 ha. Description:EXPLORATION/DRILLING PROGRAMME FOR GRAPHITE ORE Received On Status

20 January 1999 CASE IS SUBJUDISED

NULL

PENDING ENCROACHMENTS PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No:8(29)13/2000-FCE Area:4.667 ha. Description:REGUL. OF ENCROACHMENT IN ANGUL DISTRICT File No:8(29)2/2001-FCE Area:10.666 ha. Description:REGULARISATION OF ENCROACHMENT File No:8(29)10/2001-FCE Area:0.08 ha. Description:REGULARISATION OF ENCROACHMENT Received On NULL Status

NULL REFERENCE FILE NO. 870/2006-FC

NULL

34

APPROVED PROJECTS WITH MoEF FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

APPROVED MINING PROJECTS AS ON 31st OCTOBER 2006

Project Details Project No: No.J-11015/134/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Utkal Coal Mining Project Agency: M/s Utkal Coal Ltd. Received On 31/05/2006 Approved On 05/10/2006

35

APPROVED PROJECTS WITH CENTRAL GOVERNMET FOR FOREST CLEARANCE

No Projects have been granted with Forest Clearance

36

IN-PRINCIPAL PROJECTS

IN-PRINCIPLE MINING PROJECTS AS ON OCTOBER 31, 2006

Project Details File No: 8-ORA099/2006-FCD Area:137.02 Description: COAL MINING IN VILLAGE RAIJHARAN, NANDICHOR AND SIMILISAHI IN CHHENDIPADA TAHASIL BY M/S ORISSA MINING CORPORATION LIMITED Received On Approved On

2 August 2006

20 October 2006

37

REJECTED PROJECTS
REJECTED IRRIGATION PROJECTS
Project Details File No:8-173/1984-FC Area:52.42 ha. Description: BHALUDHAR MINOR IRRIGATION PROJECT File No:8-56/1992-FC Area:26.96 ha. Description: CHIKIMA MIP File No:8-22/1998-FC Area:638 ha. Description: SUKTEL IRRIG PROJECT File No:8-148/FCE Area:16 ha. Description: AMKHOL NALLA MINOR IRRIGATION PROJECT Rejected On 16 July 1984 Reason Of Rejection REJECTED ON MERRIT.

19 May 1994

REJECTED ON MERRIT REJECTED REF. 83/1994-FC REJECTED ON MERIT

3 December 1998

31 July 2000

REJECTED MINING PROJECTS

Project Details File No: 8B-12/5/92-FCE Area:0.9 ha. Description: SOFT STONE QUARRY BY BALARAM SAHOO File No: 8-280/FCE Area:2.367 ha. Description: GRAPHITE MINING BY ANTARYAMI MISHRA File No: 8-111/1997-FC Area:129.206 ha. Description: MINING LEASE TO OMC File No: 8-37/1996-FC Area:181.013 ha. Description: MINING LEASE TO TISCO File No: 8-355/FCE Area:0.22 ha. Description: PROSPECTING WORK BY K.B. PAHI File No: 8-169/FCE Area:19.96 ha. Description: NISHIKHAL MINING LEASE OF OMC File No: 8(21)2/2001-FCE Area:3.797 ha. Description: KATASAHI & KOLHA RUDKOLA MN. MINES OF SN PAUL File No: 8-13/2002-FC Area:45.148 ha. Description: MINING LEASE TO BC SAHU File No:8(21)5/99-FCE Area:13.86 ha. Description: BLACKSTONE QUARRY BY M/S JS CONSTRUCTION LTD Rejected On Reason Of Rejection 19 Aug 1994 REJECTED ON MERIT

8 Dec 1997

REJECTED ON MERIT

27 Aug 1998 REJECTED ON MERRIT

23 Oct 1998 REJECTED ON MERRIT

22 May 2000 REJECTED ON MERIT

27 Nov 2001 REJECTED ON MERIT REJECTED ON MERIT AS PART OF ELEPHANT CORRIDER REJECTED ON MERRIT

9 Dec 2002

1 Oct 2003

Case rejected, Based on appeal reply furnished to 20 Dec 2004 the ministry vide ref even no dated 20.12.2004.

REJECTED OTHER PROJECTS

Project Details File No:8-62/1982-FC Area:71.55 ha. Description: RESETTLEMENTS OF VILLAGERS Rejected On 20 May 1982 Reason Of Rejection REJECTED ON MERRIT, FILE NOT IN SECTION

38

File No:8-221/1986-FC Area:100 ha. Description: RELEASE OF FOREST LAND FOR RAISING CAPATIVE PLANTATION File No:8-256/1986-FC Area:31 ha. Description: RELEASE OF FOREST LAND FOR RAISING CAPATIVE PLANTATION File No:8-300/1987-FC Area:98.74 ha. Description: RAISING OF COFFEE PLANTATION BY M/S ASHOK AGRO INDUSTRIES File No:8-201/1986-FC Area:200 ha. Description: RUBBER PLANTATION BY ORISSA FOREST CORPORATION LIMITED File No:8-248/1986-FC Area:51 ha. Description: RAISING OF CAPTIVE PLANTATION BY TITAGHUR PAPER MILLS File No:8-318/1988-FC Area:911.09 ha. Description: FOREST LAND FOR RUBBER PLANTATION File No:8-205/1991-FC Area:187.65 ha. Description: BRACKISH WATER FISHERES & PRAWN CULTURE File No:8-360/FCE Area:4.7 ha. Description: RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF SAW MILLS AT KULUNGA File No:8(27)1/2000-FCE Area:1.497 ha. Description: M/S REXON STRIPS LTD. IN VILLAGE KUMKELA File No:8-69/2000-FC Area:124.38 ha. Description: CONST. OF ALUMINA REFINERY

2 October 1987

REJECTED ON MERRIT.

10 December 1987 REJECTED ON MERRIT.

21 December 1987 REJECTED ON MERRIT.

13 October 1988

REJECTED ON MERRIT

5 November 1988

REJECTED ON MERRIT.

1 April 1989

REJECTED ON MERRIT.

17 July 1992

REJECTED ON MERRIT

18 January 1999

REJECTED ON MERIT

29 February 2000

REJECTED ON MERIT

31 October 2001

REJECTED ON MERRIT

REJECTED TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECTS

Project Details File No:8-76/1985-FC Area:81.9 ha. Description:220 KV DC BRAJARAJ NAGAR TO RAIGARH T/L Rejected On 14 December 1987 Reason Of Rejection DELIBERATE VIDATION OF FC ACT

REJECTED REHABILITATION PROJECTS

Project Details File No:8-304/1985-FC Area:123.79 ha. Description: REHABILITATION OF PEOPLE DUE TO JONK MIP Rejected On 18 November 1985 Reason Of Rejection REJECTED ON MERRIT

39

APPROVAL LETTERS ISSUED BY MoEF DURING OCTOBER 2006

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE LETTERS

Maliparbat Bauxite Mining Project of M/s Hindalco Industries Limited located in Village Aligaon-Kankaramba in Pottangi Tehsil of Koraput District in Orissa.

Utkal Coal Project Block C (3.37 MTPA) of M/s Utkal Coal Ltd., located in village Raijharan, Tehsil Chendipada, District Angul, Orissa

FOREST CLEARANCES LETTERS

Nil- -- Nil -- Nil

IN-PRINCIPLE FOREST CLEARANCES LETTERS

Nil- -- Nil -- Nil

40

No.J-11015/411/2005-IA.II (M) Government of India Ministry of Environment & Forests Paryavaran Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110 003 Dated the 7th September, 2006 To, M/s Hindalco Industries Ltd. Century Bhavan, Dr. Annie Besant Road, MUMBAI-400 025

Subject: Maliparbat Bauxite Mining Project of M/s Hindalco Industries Limited located in Village Aligaon-Kankaramba, Tehsil Pottangi, District Koraput, Orissa - Environmental Clearance Reg. Sir, This has reference to your letter No.Hindalco/05 dated 12.11.2005 and subsequent letters dated 28.12.2005, 31.01.2006, 15.05.2006, 17.05.2006 and 13.06.2006 on the subject mentioned above. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application. It has been noted that the proposal is for opening of a new mine and the project was granted site clearance by the Ministry on 30.01.2006. The total mine lease area of the project is 268.11 ha which is a wasteland. No forestland is involved. Area proposed for mining is 77.30 ha, an area of 2.0 ha is kept for infrastructure, 3.0 ha for roads, 15.0 ha for green belt and 170.81 ha is others (undisturbed area). No ecologically sensitive area such as national park, wildlife sanctuary/biosphere reserve, tiger reserve etc. is located in the core and buffer zone of the mine. There is no population in the core zone, therefore, displacement of population and R&R is not involved. The annual targeted production capacity of the mine is 0.6 million tonnes of bauxite ore. The life of the mine is 15 years. Working will be opencast by mechanized using ripper dozer. Blasting will be used to a limited extent in the hard strata. Approximately 2000 TPD of mineral will be transported by road to a distance of 25 km. The ultimate working depth of mine will be 10m from the plateau top (1190 m above msl). The valley floor is at 910 m above MSL. The water table is much below the valley floor. Mining will not intersect the groundwater table. Peak water requirement of the project is 61 m3/day which will be met from Kundli Nallah. Approximately 7713m3/month of solid waste comprising 1080 m3/month of topsoil and 6633m3/month of over burden (free laterite etc.) will be generated. During life of the mine about 3.992 million m3 of OB and 0.0756 m3 of topsoil will be generated. The over burden will be stacked as external dump, during the initial years, which will be later backfilled concurrently from the 5th year onwards in mined out voids. The entire quantity of the over burden generated will be backfilled and an area of 1.46 ha will be converted into water body at the end of the mine life. There will be no external OB dumps at the end of the mine life. Plantation will be raised in an area of 90.84 ha. Consent to establish from the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa obtained on 24.01.2006 for production capacity of 0.6 million tonnes per annum of bauxite ore over 268.11 ha lease area. Public hearing of the project held on 31.08.2005. Indian Bureau of Mines has approved mining plan including progressive mine closure plan of the project on 18.08.2005 for lease area of 268.11 ha. Capital cost of the project is Rs.2050 lakhs . The Ministry of Environment and Forests hereby accords environmental clearance to the above mentioned Maliparbat Bauxite Mining Project of M/s Hindalco Industries Limited for production capacity of 0.6 million tonnes per annum of bauxite ore by opencast mechanized method involving total lease area of 268.11 ha. under the provisions of the EIA Notification 1994 and subsequent amendments issued under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

41

A. (i) (ii)

Specific conditions All the conditions stipulated by the State Pollution Control Board in their consent to establish should be effectively implemented. Top soil shall be stacked properly with proper slope with adequate measures and should be used for reclamation and rehabilitation of mined out areas.

(iii) The waste generated in the initial period shall be dumped temporarily and backfilled in the mined out area. There shall be no permanent external OB dump in the project area. Concurrent backfilling should start from the fifth year onwards. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests on six monthly basis. (iv) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size should be constructed to arrest silt and sediment flows from the working pit, soil and mineral dumps. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted particularly after monsoon and maintained properly. Garland drain (size, gradient and length) shall be constructed for mine pit and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Sedimentation pits should be constructed at the corners of the garland drains and desilted at regular intervals. (v) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 90.84ha including a green belt of adequate width by planting the native species around the ML area, roads, around void etc. in consultation with the local DFO / Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2000 plants per ha. The mining operations shall not intersect groundwater table. Prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests and Central Ground Water Authority shall be obtained for mining below water table.

(vi)

(vii) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (viii) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers during the mining operation. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), postmonsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to MOEF, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director Central Ground Water Board. (ix) (x) Prior permission from the competent authority should be obtained for drawal of water from the surface water bodies i.e. Kundli Nallah. The project proponent shall undertake monitoring of springs (two main perennial springs on the southern side, two springs on the northern side), in addition to six groundwater-monitoring stations as specified by State Pollution Control Board on long term basis both in terms of quantity and quality of water and records maintained. Six monthly report should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar. Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded.

(xi)

(xii) The voids created at the end of mining shall be converted into water body with shallow depths not exceeding 30 m. The higher benches of the excavated void/mine pit shall be terraced and plantation done to stabilize the slopes. Peripheral fencing shall be done along the excavated area. (xiii) The project proponent shall adopt wet drilling.

42

(xiv) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented. (xv) Consent to operate should be obtained from SPCB prior to start of production from the mine. (xvi) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated from mining operations. (xvii) Digital processing of the entire lease area using remote sensing technique should be done regularly once in three years for monitoring land use pattern and report submitted to MOEF and its Regional Office. (xviii) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval. B. General conditions (i) (ii) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral bauxite and waste should be made.

(iii) Conservation measures for protection of flora and fauna in the core & buffer zone should be drawn up in consultation with the local forest and wildlife departments. (iv) Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for RPM, SPM, SO2 and NOx monitoring. Location of the stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. (v) Data on ambient air quality (RPM, SPM, SO2 and NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhopal and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

(vi) Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading and unloading and at transfer points should be provided and properly maintained. (vii) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc. should be provided with ear plugs / muffs. (viii) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (ix) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed. (x) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

(xi) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work.

43

(xii) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubneshwar. (xiii) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubneshwar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports. (xiv) A copy of clearance letter will be marked to concerned Panchayat / local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation was received while processing the proposal. (xv) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector's office/ Tehsildar's Office for 30 days. (xvi) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneswar. 3. 4. 5. The Ministry or any other competent authority may alter/modify the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules. (SATISH C. GARKOTI) Additional Director (S) Copy to: 1. Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. 2. Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubneshwar. 3. Secretary, Department of Mines, Government of Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubneshwar. 4. Chief Conservator of Forests, Ministry of Environment & Forests ,Regional Office (EZ), A/3, Chandra Shekar, Bhubneshwar-751 023 5. Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, CBD-Cum-Office Complex, East Arjun Nagar, New Delhi-110 032. 6. Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118 Nilakantha Nagar, UnitVIII, Bhubaneshwar-751012. 7. Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, A2, W3 Curzon Road Barracks, K.G. Marg, New Delhi-110001. 8. Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines, Indira Bhavan, Civil Lines, Nagpur-440 001. 9. District Collector, Koraput District, Orissa. 10. EI Division, Ministry of Environment & Forests, EI Division, New Delhi. 11. Monitoring File. 12. Guard File. 13. Record File. (SATISH C. GARKOTI) Additional Director (S)

44

No.J-11015/134/2006-IA.II(M) Government of India Ministry of Environment & Forests Paryavaran Bhawan, C.G.O.Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi -110003. Dated: 5th October 2006 To Shri S.N. Panda, Executive Vice-President, M/s Utkal Coal Limited, Bomikhal, P.O. Rasulgarh, Bhubaneshwar 751010, ORISSA. Sub: Utkal Coal Project Block C (3.37 MTPA) of M/s Utkal Coal Ltd., located in village Raijharan, Tehsil Chendipada, District Angul, Orissa- Environmental clearance reg.

Sir, This has reference to your letter dated 20.05.2006 enclosing your application and subsequent letters dated 24.06.2006, 03.07.2006, 10.07.2006 and 22.08.2006 on the above-mentioned subject. The Ministry of Environment & Forests has considered your application. It has been noted that the project is for opening a new coal mine - Utkal Block C Coal Project for captive consumption of the existing ferroalloy/captive power plant at Chowdar, Cuttak. Site Clearance was obtained on 28.07.2006. The total mine lease is 576.55 ha of which 337.28 ha is agricultural land, 156.81 ha is forestland, 14.43 ha is grazing land, 20.57 ha is surface water bodies and 47.46 ha is wasteland. A number of Reserve Forests (RF) are found adjoining the lease and within 10km of the core zone. The study area supports the Indian Elephant which is a highly endangered species. Forestry clearance has not been obtained. There are no National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserves found in the 10 km buffer zone. It is noted that the project falls in the Angul-Talcher Region, which has been identified as one of the critically polluted areas in the country. Singhada Jhor, which is a perennial river, flows adjoining the northern boundary of the ML. It is proposed to contruct an embankment of 1805m length and 5 m height along the southern bank of Singhada Jhor alongside the ML. The project involves R&R of one village - Raijharan. Of the total lease area, area for excavation is 361.64 ha, 31.17 ha is for OB dumps, 7.84 ha is for topsoil dumps, 17.71 ha is for infrastructure, 37.50 ha is for greenbelt, 11.50 ha is for tailings pond, and 109.19 ha is for others (undisturbed). Rated capacity of the mine is 3.37 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to be achieved by the 7th year. Mining will be opencast by mechanized method and involves drilling and blasting for OB removal only. Coal extraction is by surface miner. OB removal by shovel and dumpers. Mineral transportation of 11,233 TPD of coal is by road/rail. Ultimate working depth of the mine is 230m below ground level (bgl). Water table is in the range of 2-8 m bgl in the core zone and 1- 12 m bgl in the buffer zone. Peak water requirement is 439.48 m3/d is to be met from groundwater (58.40 m3/d) and from mine sump water (348 m3/d). Of an estimated 208.572 Mm3 of OB to be generated about 95% (193.012 Mm3) of OB will be backfilled and the balance will be store din one external OB dump and will be rehandled at the end of mine life and backfilled. Backfilling will begin from the 1st year onwards and concurrent backfilling from the 6th year onwards. Public Hearing was held on 16.09.2005. Life of mine at the rated capacity of 3.37 MTPA is 41 years. Mining Plan was approved by Ministry of Coal on 23.06.2005. Capital cost of the project is Rs. 168.50 crores. The Ministry of Environment & forests hereby accords environmental clearance for the above-mentioned Utkal Opencast Block C Coal Project of M/s Utkal Coal Ltd. for production of coal at 3.37 MTPA rated capacity under the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 1994 and subsequent amendments thereto subject to the compliance of the terms and conditions mentioned below: A. Specific Conditions

45

(i) (ii) (iii)

(iv)

(v) (vi)

(vii)

(viii) (ix)

(x) (xi)

(xii)

(xiii)

(xiv)

All the conditions stipulated by SPCB in their NOC shall be effectively implemented. No mining operations shall be undertaken in the forestland until clearance has been obtained under the provisions of FC Act, 1980. Mining shall be carried out as per statuette at a safe distance from the river and nallah flowing within the lease boundary. At the time of depillaring, protective bunds and garland drains shall be provided so that no water from the water bodies enters the mining area. An embankment shall be constructed along the southern boundary adjoining the ML. The slope of the embankment shall at least 2:1 towards the ML. The height of the embankment shall be at least 5 m higher than the HFL. The dimensions of the embankment shall be at least 1805m in length, 20m width at the bottom and 5 m at the top. Topsoil of 3.62 Mm3 should be stacked properly with proper slope at earmarked site(s) and should not be kept active and shall be used for reclamation and development of green belt. OB should be stacked at earmarked external OB dumpsite within ML area and shall be a maximum height of 40m only and consist of benches of 10m each. The ultimate slope of the dump shall not exceed 28o. Monitoring and management of reclaimed dumpsite should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests and its Regional office located at Bhubaneswar on yearly basis. The external OB dump shall be rehandled at the end of mine life and backfilled into the decoaled area. Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size should be constructed to arrest silt and sediment flows from soil, OB and mineral dumps. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development, etc. The drains should be regularly desilted and maintained properly. Garland drains (size, gradient and length) and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above the peak sudden rainfall and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provided adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Dimension of the retaining wall at the toe of the dumps and OB benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rainfall data. Crushers at the CHP should be operated with high efficiency bag filters, water sprinkling system should be provided to check fugitive emissions from crushing operations, conveyor system, haulage roads, transfer points, etc. Drills should be wet operated. Controlled blasting should be practiced with use of delay detonators and only during daytime. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest the fly rocks and boulders should be implemented. The total area brought under afforestation shall not be less than 315.87 ha, and shall include external OB dump (74.96 ha), topsoil dump (7.84 ha) backfilled area covering 163.04 ha, along ML boundary, infrastructure (10 ha), along roads, safety zone and vacant area (20.36 ha) by planting native species in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2500 plants per ha. Backfilling shall begin from the first year of mining operations and concurrent backfilling from 6th year onwards. A Progressive Mine Closure Plan shall be implemented and OB generated shall be simultaneously backfilled covering an area of 163.04 ha. Plantation shall be developed to cover 179.73 ha over the backfilled area and the higher benches which are gently sloped. Regular monitoring of groundwater level and quality should be carried out by establishing a network of exiting wells and construction of new peizometers. The monitoring for quantity should be done four times a year in pre-monsoon (May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) seasons and for quality in May. Data thus collected should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests and tot eh Central Pollution Control Board quarterly within one month of monitoring.

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The Company shall put up artificial groundwater recharge measures for augmentation of groundwater resource. The project authorities should meet water requirement of nearby village(s) in case the village wells go dry due to dewatering of mine. (xvi) ETP should also be provided for workshop and CHP wastewater. (xvii) A Programme for conservation of the endangered species, particularly the Indian Elephant, found in the study area, shall be formulated and implemented in consultation with the concerned Department in the State Government. Separate funds shall be earmarked for implementation of the various activities there under and the status thereof shall be regularly reported to this Ministry and the MOEF Regional Office, Bhubaneshwar. (xviii) Digital processing of the entire lease area using remote sensing technique should be done regularly once in 3 years for monitoring land use pattern and report submitted to MOEF and its Regional office at Bhubaneshwar. (xix) Besides carrying out regular periodic health check up of their workers, 10% of the workers identified from workforce engaged in active mining operations shall be subjected to health check up for occupational diseases and hearing impairment, if any, through an agency such as NIOH, Ahmedabad within a period of one year and the results reported to this Ministry and to DGMS. (xx) R&R of village Raijharan shall be completed within the specified time schedule and shall be not less than that of the National R&R Policy. (xxi) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval. (xxii) Consent to Operate shall be obtained before expanding mining operations. B. (i) (ii) (iii) General Conditions No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. No change in calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral coal & waste to be made. Four ambient air quality monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for SPM, RPM, SO2 and NOx monitoring. Location of the stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. Data on ambient air quality (SPM, RPM, SO2 and NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional Office at Bhubaneswar and to the State Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board once in six months. Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly monitored and data recorded properly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, wagon loading, dump trucks (loading and unloading) points should be provided and properly maintained. Adequate measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in blasting and drilling operations, operation of HEMM, etc should be provided with ear plugs/muffs. Industrial wastewater (workshop and wastewater from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May 1993 and 31st December 1993 or as amended from time to time before discharge. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Vehicles used for transporting the mineral should be covered with tarpaulins and optimally loaded. Environmental laboratory should be established with adequate number and type of pollution monitoring and analysis equipment in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board.

(xv)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii) (ix)

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Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance programme of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and to take corrective measures, if needed. (xi) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the company. (xii) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should e kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year-wise expenditure should be reported to this Ministry and its Regional Office at Bhubaneswar. (xiii) A copy of the will be marked to concerned Panchayat/ local NGO, if any, from whom any suggestion/representation has been received while processing the proposal. (xiv) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional Office, District Industry Centre and Collectors Office/Tehsildars Office for 30 days. (xv) The Project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated around the project, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned within seven days of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution control Board and may also be seen at the website of the ministry of Environment & Forests at http://envfor.nic.in. 3. The Ministry or any other competent authority may stipulate any further condition for environmental protection. 4. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 5. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and Rules. (Dr.T.Chandini) Additional Director Copy to: 1. Secretary, Ministry of Coal, New Delhi. 2. Secretary, Department of Environment & Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneshwar. 3. Chief Conservator of Forests, Regional office (EZ), Ministry of Environment & Forests, A-31, Chandrashekarpur, Bhubaneshwar 751023. 4. Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118, Nilkanthanagar, Unit VIII, Bhubaneshwar 751012. 5. Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, CBD-cum-Office Complex, East Arjun Nagar, New Delhi -110032. 6. Member-Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, Ministry of Water Resources, Curzon Road Barracks, A-2, W-3 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi. 7. District Collector, Angul, Government of Orissa, New Delhi. 8. Monitoring File 9. Guard File 10. Record File (Dr.T.Chandini) Additional Director

(x)

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Environmental Protection Group, Orissa

epgorissa@gmail.com Environment Protection Group, Orissa, is an informal forum, where a number of individuals with rich experience and expertise in different fields have joined together with an aim to safeguard the states rich biological diversity, its people, its economy and diverse culture of various ethnic groups, especially tribals, from the clutches of existing development paradigm based on extractive mining and industrialization. During various informal discussions a felt need for and interactions with many groups/forums/individuals it was felt need of proper, authenticate information at right time. Keeping this, EPG, Orissa has decided to bring an update on Mining at a regular interval. This is the first Step towards strengthening of the voices of people/groups/forums

N.B:
The news items which are reproduced in this e-magazine were published in Bhubaneswar/ Kolkata editions of various newspapers during the period May 2006. Information on Environmental Clearances, Forest Clearances, Pending Projects and Rejected Projects etc. have been downloaded from the website of MoEF, Govt. of India. (http://www.envfor.nic.in) EPG ORISSA has tried its level best to place the information as published in the newspapers and websites. To proceed in a legal manner (based on the information provided in this magazine) please collect the original news items and MoEF orders. This magazine is only for private circulation. EPG ORISSA is not liable for any legal proceedings.

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