Raigarh. (13:03): M/s Raigarh Ispat and Power Pvt. Ltd., situated in Gerwani Saraipali, previously submitted a fraudulent EIA report during its establishment. Now, it plans to expand based on another falsified EIA report, with a public hearing scheduled for March 20. Despite promises to provide employment and develop the area, the company has caused severe pollution, leading to concerns among residents of nearby villages like Jarwani, who also face issues related to infrastructure and unemployment.
The area, affected by elephants, has witnessed numerous attacks, prompting expectations from the Forest Department regarding elephant movements. Despite this, Raigarh Ispat established its plant based on a fraudulent report without consulting the locals. The company’s promises remain unfulfilled, focusing solely on profit-making. Now, with plans for expansion based on yet another falsified EIA report, the company faces strong opposition from villagers. Scheduled for March 20, the public hearing for Raigarh Ispat’s expansion will not proceed until a genuine EIA report is presented and past commitments are honored. Pollution in the Gerwani Saraipali area is severe, affecting rivers, drains, trees, plants, fields, and barns, with waste flowing into the Kelo River. Despite this, the administration appears determined to expand such polluting industries, raising concerns among the locals.
