Chhattisgarh: Industry

Just about a decade ago, Janjgir-Champa was known as one of the most fertile and best irrigated districts. The agricultural produce from this region used to top the state food chart. In a matter of eight years, however, the lush green farms have transformed into barren lands. The district has become an industry and power plant hub.

The impact of rapid industrialisation is evident. The once green environment irrigated by innumerable water canals has given way to industries and power plants spewing poison and other waste into the air and water that once grew food.

Ramratan Sahu, a resident of Damadpara village says, “A few years ago, there were 15 canals in the area. The industry has dried them all up.” On the other hand, silicon dioxide and calcium dioxide, components of fly ash – a by product of power   plants - is causing several skin and respiratory problems.

Not long ago, the state government was criticised for selling out the Rogda Dam, Kosabadi and a park in the same district. The administration claims that the industry has been given barren land. The villagers do not agree. They claim that the land given was fertile and the entire village was forced to migrate.

The most often quoted case is that of Moser Baer India Limited, which has been wanting to set up a 1,320 MV power plant here. Their entry has been opposed by the villagers who have questioned the land acquisition process. The people have taken their woes to the state capital protesting state's MoU with the company. Meanwhile, the state has sold three kilometers of a road stretch to RKM power company. The work on this power plant is in progress.

The government has contributed Rs 15 lakhs by paving the Dewarghata-Bandhapali to Ghirwa road – to enable the power company to function. The villagers had been promised jobs in industry and power plants but that has not happened. Devram Banjare, a sarpanch of a village on this stretch says, “The industries are bringing people from other villages. Local youth remain jobless.”

The District Collector of Janjgir-Champa meanwhile has instructed the management of the industrial houses to take up beautification of ponds, supply of electricity to schools and construction toilets.

So far the industries have not stirred. Assistant Collector KL Chauhan sayd, “In case they do not adhere to the orders, the administration will take action.”
Villagers claim that it was due to their support that Charandas Mahant became an MP and subsequently went on to become minister of state for agriculture at the centre. They complain that it’s been more than six months since he became the minister, yet he has not found time for his constituency.