Lack of bauxite, pollution threat put on hold expansion of refineries

The Pioneer, May 30, 2009
PNS | Bhubaneswar

The lack of bauxite and threat of rising pollution level has forced the State Government to put on hold expansions of the mega projects including the expansion of refineries.

Though it allowed the expansion of mega projects but it has been cleared with a few riders in it. Similarly, no cement projects relating to limestone would be allowed through out the State except in Malkangiri. A decision to this effect was taken at the State-Level Single Window Clearance Committee (SLCWC) under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy on Friday.

Talking to reporters, MD IPICOL Ashok Meena said it would allow the expansion of the Hindalco’s alumina refinery and captive power plant. But their expansion would be reduced this time and would in a large scale. Its entire proposal was not accepted at this point, he added.

Similarly, Tata Sponge’s proposal was accepted with a reduced format. It was allowed to expands its plant by .45 million tonne. Vedanta’ Alumina Ltd’s proposal to enhance its alumina refinery plant from 1 mt to 6 million tonne was not also accepted. It was asked to enhance its production capacity by only .6 million tonne. The expansion relating to the smelter plant was given the green signal but with a reduced strength. All other proposals of companies like Rashmi Mettalick, Rungta Mines, Shyam Steel Ltd, Jindal India Thermal Power Ltd, Visa Baw Ltd, Lnaco Bhawan Power Ltd and Toshali Cement’s proposal was accepted but with some riders. It also accepted the Orissa Thermal Power’s proposed 2000 mw capacity power plant.

But all of them asked to reduce their expansion and go slowly. “We will asses the reserve of bauxite first and then allow them to go their expansions in a full phase. Similarly, except in Malkangiri, there is no much stock of limestone. At this point, we will not clear cement projects,” he said.