NINL Expansion in Jajpur Gains Momentum: OSPCB Hosts Public Hearing

Subscribe to Our WhatsApp Channel

Join Our Telegram Channel

Jajpur: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) held a public hearing in Jajpur district to address Nilachal Ispat Nigam Limited's (NINL) ambitious development plan, marking a key step towards supporting industrial growth in Odisha. In keeping with the state's mission of sustainable economic advancement, the project intends to increase output capacity from the existing 0.981 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to an astonishing 9.5 MTPA. 

Representive Image

Widespread Community Involvement Identifies the Hearing 

During the hearing, more than 225 people—both supporters and opponents of the proposed expansion—spoke out. Presided over by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Sapan Kumar Nanda, the session provided a platform for stakeholders to express their views. 

“We have gathered the public's feedback, which will be forwarded to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for further consideration,” said Madan Mohan Sahu, Regional Officer, SPCB, Kalinga Nagar. 

The ADM guaranteed that the hearing achieved its goal of documenting a range of viewpoints, notwithstanding a few disruptions throughout the session. 

Increasing Industrial Capacity Without Adding New Land 

The strategic design of NINL's projected expansion is noteworthy because it doesn't call for any extra territory. The project uses cutting-edge technology to maximise productivity and guarantee environmental compliance. 
An official from NINL named Sanjeev Kumar Ghosh gave a thorough rundown of the expansion strategy. In the meantime, Sudhir Kumar Mehta, the MD and CEO, spoke directly to public concerns and emphasised the company's dedication to social and environmental responsibility. 

Fundamental Environmental Protections 

In order to ensure that the plant's activities comply with strict environmental standards, NINL authorities emphasised the incorporation of state-of-the-art pollution control techniques. These actions consist of: 

• Advanced Pollution Control Systems: Dry fog systems, cyclone separators, and electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) for controlling air quality. 
• Effluent Treatment Innovations: Installation of a scrubber-based gas cleaning plant to treat basic oxygen furnace (BOF) emissions. 
• Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous Environmental Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and Effluent Quality Monitoring Systems (EQMS) for tracking air and water quality. 

“All treated wastewater will be reused within the plant premises, reflecting our dedication to a circular economy,” stated a company representative. 

Development in Phases for Increased Productivity 

Modern facilities such a coke plant, sinter plant, blast furnace, steel melting shop and mills for the manufacturing of rebar and wire rods will be added as part of the expansion, which will take place in two stages. The goal of these improvements is to reduce environmental impact while increasing efficiency. 
Air, water, noise, and soil quality baseline environmental data within a 10-kilometer radius were gathered between March and May 2024 and submitted to OSPCB for assessment. 

The Stewardship of Tata Steel Sets the Pace 

Tata Steel Long Products Limited accomplished incredible accomplishments after purchasing NINL in July 2022, such as attaining rated capacity in within nine months and restarting production operations within 100 days. This quick expansion demonstrates the business's operational expertise and dedication to Odisha's industrial development. 

A Bright Future for the Industrial Landscape of Odisha 

With its growth, NINL is expected to play a significant role in the Indian steel sector, supporting Odisha's larger industrial and economic goals. The initiative aims to establish a standard for sustainable development by striking a balance between environmental protections and industrial progress. 
The input from this public hearing will be crucial in determining the project's future as the environmental clearance process proceeds, making sure that it satisfies both community and industry goals.