Villagers Oppose Public Hearing, Demand Jobs and Environmental Safeguards
Key Points:
- Public hearing held for SM Steel plant in Adardih village
- Villagers demand jobs, education and health guarantees
- Locals call hearing illegal, allege violation of Gram Sabha rules
SERAIKELA – A public hearing for environmental clearance of the proposed SM Steel project was held on Tuesday at Adardih village under Nimdih block of Chandil subdivision in Seraikela-Kharsawan district.
The meeting was organized by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board. ADC Jawardhan Kumar attended as the chief guest, along with CO Abhay Kumar Dwivedi, Pollution Control Board officer Jitendra Singh, environmental expert Priyanka Kumari, company representatives, landowners, and a large number of villagers.
During the hearing, villagers raised strong demands for job opportunities, education, healthcare, and environmental safety. They warned that land acquisition and plant construction would not be allowed until firm assurances were given.
However, some locals opposed the event entirely, calling it illegal and conducted without Gram Sabha consent. They staged a sit-in protest on the road for several hours and later submitted a memorandum to the district administration.
The protesters claimed that the hearing violated laws upheld under the Samata Judgment. “We will continue the protest at every level,” one villager said. Despite the tension, the hearing concluded amid protests, with officials assuring that the grievances would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
According to sources, SM Steel plans to establish a power and steel plant over 750 acres of land. Whether the project moves forward or stalls amid opposition remains to be seen.
In related developments, the DC’s Janata Darbar recently addressed multiple public grievances in Seraikela. Earlier, similar hearings were held to resolve development issues. Industrial projects like the Divine Vidyut plant have also been under discussion for their regional impact.
