ArcelorMittal exploring alternative sites in Jharkhand?

In an apparent move to skirt any controversy pertaining to its selected spots in Gumla and Khunti districts of the state, ArcelorMittal is exploring alternative sites in Jharkhand.

By PTI | Feb 22, 2010, 11.21 PM IST

RANCHI: In an apparent move to skirt any controversy pertaining to its selected spots in Gumla and Khunti districts of the state, the ArcelorMittal is exploring alternative sites in Jharkhand to start construction work by this year-end.

"We are exploring alternative sites. And we also need permission on several requirements like water," the General Manager of the ArcelorMittal group, P S Prasad, told PTI today.

"If every thing goes right, the construction work for a steel plant will start by the year-end," Prasad, who made an exploration visit to Bokaro's Petarwar and Kasmar blocks yesterday said. He said the response by the locals was good.

The ArcelorMittal group, which had in 2005 signed an MoU with the Jharkhand government for a 12 MT greenfield steel plant worth about Rs 43,000 crore, has already identified sites in four blocks in Gumla and Khunti districts, but things have not moved following protests by an anti-displacement group---Adivasi/Moolwasi Asthitva Bachhao Manch (AAMBM).

Prasad, however, refused to comment if the steel major was embarking on new sites after having already spent so much money in Gumla and Khunti districts.

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