Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP), a unit of Maharatna CPSE, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is embarking upon a major modernization and expansion of its existing facility with both brownfield as well as Greenfield projects. For any expansion of the Plant, availability of land is the first and foremost requirement and DSP is having that land adjacent to its existing Plant area starting from areas near ASP boundary wall in Palashdiha to Andal area which shall serve the requirement of land for the proposed modernization and expansion of DSP.
Some of this vacant land is under encroachment by slum dwellers since long time. Notices were served under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 to these encroachers for proceedings as per the provision of the PP Act, 1971.
In order to protect the existing vacant land adjacent to the existing Plant from further encroachment, DSP has awarded contracts for construction of boundary wall and fencing in three different packages covering approximately 40 KM length and an area of 1250 acres. It may be mentioned that the construction of boundary wall is to protect the vacant DSP land and effort is being made to avoid any bastis/slums during this construction.
On 14.09.2023, a simple program of Bhumi Pujan was scheduled on two of these vacant land parcels namely near Gate No- 5 at Gopalmath and near Gate No- 2 (Beside Surya Sen Sarani) to kick off the project. The Third area near MSM and CISF Barrack, Bhiringi is to be taken up later.
However, it was noticed that when the team of DSP officials including Director In-Charge (Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plant) went to the site there was a congregation of more than 300 people who were trying to obstruct the Bhumi Pujan program. During this commotion and slogan shouting by these protestors, the Bhumi Pujan program was completed in a haste and while Director In-charge was about to leave the site, his exit was blockaded by protestors putting tree logs as barriers on the road. The ordeal did not stop here and these protestors started throwing brickbats and stones directing towards the vehicle of Director In-charge, in which he was aboard and this led to massive damage of the vehicle and the life of Director In-charge was at danger because of this unexpected assault. It is apprehended that the mobs were instigated by the land mafias who are in the business of illegal selling of DSP land and promoting illegal occupation of DSP land.
CISF personnel who were on duty to protect the officials of DSP put up a valiant and professional effort and displayed extreme restraint amidst the continuous provocation by the protestors and cleared the passage of exit for Director In-charge and other officials to rescue them to safety amidst a violent situation where lives of people were at risk. The CISF personnel handled the situation in a very professional manner and great sensitivity towards the protestors and ensured that no collateral damage to the protestors was done even at the cost of receiving injuries upon themselves.
It may be mentioned that Expansion of DSP to increase its production capacity is a technical necessity for its survival and remain commercially viable steel producer in the current competitive market. DSP has no intention to render people homeless, but securing its own vacant land is a first step towards the preparedness for the modernization, which is required for the prosperity of the Plant as well as the all-round development of Durgapur.
DSP seeks co-operation from the people residing adjacent to the Plant areas for allowing construction of boundary wall on the vacant DSP land in a peaceful manner and will engage with all statutory authorities and stakeholders for successful implementation of this expansion plans.
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