NAGPUR: Amid protests against the proposed iron ore mining at Torgatta village in Gadchiroli, over 100 km away, a public hearing on the expansion of the steel unit at Konasseri by Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) will be held to discuss any objections raised by the local people. Done without company.
LMEL, which has an iron ore mine at Surajgah in the same district, is now planning to expand its steel unit by setting up a 2×4.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) iron ore grinding unit, 10 MTPA thickening and filtration unit . 2×4 MTPA Iron Ore Pellet Plant. The construction of the sponge iron plant under the first phase has started and production is expected to start in August. This will be the first industry in the Naxalite affected district. The ion ore required for the units will be sourced from Surjagarh.
According to LMEL, about 3,000 people from local areas affected by the project came to the hearing. Though demands were raised by the local people to set up facilities like hospital and school, there were no objections.
district collector Sanjay Meena also confirmed that the process was peaceful. He said there was no opposition to the project, although some NGOs had put their views online.
Sources said those opposing mining at Torgatta were also absent.
Lalsu Nagoti, a former Zilla Parishad member and one of the key leaders in the protests, also confirmed that he did not attend the hearing. “I saw the advertisement of public hearing but did not attend it. I don’t know whether others joined in or not. Since entry was denied, I preferred not to go,” he said. Nagoti said that no matter how much these projects are opposed, the efforts go in vain. “If you oppose mining, you are labeled a Maoist,” he says.
Ramdas Zarate, another leader opposed to mining, said the orders to leave the taluka and the crackdown on activists during President Draupadi Murmur’s visit discouraged them from attending public hearings. Those opposing the projects are not only denied access, but are also being closely monitored.
A public hearing was organized by Maharashtra pollution Control Board (MPCB) as a part of the process of granting environment clearance.
Meena said members of all the 10 affected gram sabhas were present. Although admission was free, proof of identity was asked for. A handful of people who did not have documents were denied entry. “There is no opposition to development works in Gadchiroli. Even the local people are keen to get the job,” he said.
LMEL, which has an iron ore mine at Surajgah in the same district, is now planning to expand its steel unit by setting up a 2×4.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) iron ore grinding unit, 10 MTPA thickening and filtration unit . 2×4 MTPA Iron Ore Pellet Plant. The construction of the sponge iron plant under the first phase has started and production is expected to start in August. This will be the first industry in the Naxalite affected district. The ion ore required for the units will be sourced from Surjagarh.
According to LMEL, about 3,000 people from local areas affected by the project came to the hearing. Though demands were raised by the local people to set up facilities like hospital and school, there were no objections.
district collector Sanjay Meena also confirmed that the process was peaceful. He said there was no opposition to the project, although some NGOs had put their views online.
Sources said those opposing mining at Torgatta were also absent.
Lalsu Nagoti, a former Zilla Parishad member and one of the key leaders in the protests, also confirmed that he did not attend the hearing. “I saw the advertisement of public hearing but did not attend it. I don’t know whether others joined in or not. Since entry was denied, I preferred not to go,” he said. Nagoti said that no matter how much these projects are opposed, the efforts go in vain. “If you oppose mining, you are labeled a Maoist,” he says.
Ramdas Zarate, another leader opposed to mining, said the orders to leave the taluka and the crackdown on activists during President Draupadi Murmur’s visit discouraged them from attending public hearings. Those opposing the projects are not only denied access, but are also being closely monitored.
A public hearing was organized by Maharashtra pollution Control Board (MPCB) as a part of the process of granting environment clearance.
Meena said members of all the 10 affected gram sabhas were present. Although admission was free, proof of identity was asked for. A handful of people who did not have documents were denied entry. “There is no opposition to development works in Gadchiroli. Even the local people are keen to get the job,” he said.