Angul, June 25: Tata Steel’s proposed expansion of its Meramandali integrated steel plant moved a step closer to securing Environmental Clearance after the public hearing for the project concluded at Nuahata village under Banarpal block in Angul district on Thursday.
The hearing, conducted under the supervision of the Angul District Administration and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), witnessed participation from local residents, elected representatives and community leaders, who shared their views and concerns on the proposed expansion.
The proceedings were chaired by Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Udaya Kumar Mohapatra in the presence of OSPCB Regional Officer Dr. Ramesh Kumar Ekka and other district officials.
During the hearing, Tata Steel officials outlined the proposed expansion plan, environmental safeguards, sustainability initiatives and community development commitments. The company also addressed queries and concerns raised by participants.
Tata Steel Meramandali currently operates a fully integrated steel plant with a crude steel production capacity of 5.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The proposed project aims to increase crude steel capacity to 7.1 MTPA, while finished steel production is expected to rise to 8.3 MTPA, further strengthening Odisha’s position as one of India’s leading steel-producing states.
According to the company, the expansion has been designed with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. It will continue to operate under a Zero Effluent Discharge (ZED) system, ensuring complete recycling and reuse of wastewater. The project also proposes the deployment of advanced pollution control technologies, energy-efficient systems, waste heat recovery, slag processing and metal recovery facilities to improve resource efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Tata Steel stated that most of the proposed expansion will be carried out within the existing plant boundary. Environmental Impact Assessment studies conducted within a 10-kilometre radius of the plant indicate that air, water, noise and soil quality remain within prescribed regulatory limits, while mitigation measures have been planned to minimise environmental impacts during construction and operation.
The company said the expansion is expected to create substantial employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases. Through the Tata Steel Foundation, it also plans to continue investing in education, healthcare, skill development, livelihood generation, drinking water, sports and infrastructure development in nearby communities.
Earlier, a public hearing for the same project was held at Itapa village in Dhenkanal district on June 23. With the successful completion of both hearings, the proposed expansion has crossed a significant milestone in the statutory Environmental Clearance process.