Hope for the establishment of a major industrial project in Kendrapara has been revitalised, as the Odisha government issued a notification prohibiting the sale, purchase, or transfer of land in Badatubi mouza of the district. This step is linked to the ongoing land acquisition process for the proposed steel plant by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS), marking a significant step forward in the long-awaited project.
Earlier, when AMNS decided to set up a steel plant in Andhra Pradesh, it seemed like Kendrapara’s dreams of hosting its first major industry would remain unfulfilled. However, the recent government notification, which prohibits land transactions in the area, has rekindled optimism among local residents and officials. The land acquisition process, which covers a 383-acre area, has officially begun, bringing hope that AMNS’s plant will soon become a reality. A successful public hearing and expert committee meeting were held to gauge local support for the project, with the community largely backing the initiative. In the past, there had been some political tension surrounding the AMNS plant. The Opposition had criticised the government for its inability to attract AMNS to Odisha, but the state government responded by affirming its commitment to bringing industrial projects to the state.
Minister Swain further shared that construction of a road for the plant is underway, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the railway line is in progress. The government is also working towards providing electricity to the plant within the next 18 months. Once Environmental Clearance is granted, the project work will proceed without further delay. Additionally, the Odisha government has applied to acquire 712.52 acres of land in areas such as Kharnasi, Badatudi, Sanatubi, and several others across Mahakalpada tehsil for the steel plant project. Already, 100 acres of land from Kharnasi village have been transferred to the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) after a public hearing, ensuring that the project is progressing smoothly.
Durga Prasad Nayak, MLA of Mahakalpada, highlighted the local community’s support for the steel plant, emphasising that people in the region are excited about the employment opportunities the project will bring. “The local people are very supportive of the plant, and we are optimistic about the benefits it will bring to our community,” Nayak stated. The establishment of AMNS’s plant in Kendrapara promises to be a game-changer for the district, offering employment opportunities, economic growth, and a boost to local infrastructure. With the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the land acquisition process and the plant’s construction, Kendrapara may soon be home to Odisha’s newest industrial landmark.
