After withdrawal of stay order by the Orissa High Court, a public hearing for increase in production capacity of Vedanta was held peacefully on Wednesday here under Jharsuguda block.
This public hearing took place for increasing the annual capacity from 16 lakh MT to 18 lakh MT of the smelter plant of Vedanta Company Limited and increase capacity of captive power plant to 1,215 MW.
The public hearing was intended for getting environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climatic Change of Government of India in which Jharsuguda ADM Pradeep Kumar Sahoo chaired. On behalf of the company, Chief Operating Officer GG Paul personally presented the capacity extension proposal in the hearing. He further stated that no additional land or water will be required for the capacity extension. While 61 persons kept their personal opinion in the hearing, some gave written proposals.
While all supported the capacity extension proposal of the company, some others requested the company to look after some basic demands like giving jobs to local youths after imparting necessary trainings to them, road provision in the periphery village, drinking water , electrification of the public roads etc.
Besides, the locals gave stress on more plantation by the company. They requested the company management to ensure pollution free environment due to coal and ash transportation. It has been decided to form a environment committee by the local residents.