The State government has given its approval in principle to M/s. Sesa Sterlite Ltd. to establish a steel plant with a capacity of four million tonnes per annum (4 MTPA) with an investment of Rs. 33,692 crore in Ballari to provide employment to around 2,750 persons.

Official sources told The Hindu that the proposal for the setting up of the plant was cleared in the recent State High Level Clearance Committee (SHLCC).

As per the proposal, the plant would be established in Kakkabevinahalli, Amarapura, Tegginabudihal, Bevinahalli, Chaganur, and Sirwar villages in Ballari taluk.

As per the proposals submitted to the government and approved, the plant would be established on 2,423.17 acres and the company already owned 702 acres of the land.

Another 325.56 acres of industrially converted land are available with the KIADB, 67.2 acres with the government and 1,328.41 acres have to be acquired by the KIADB in different survey numbers of the Kakkabevinhalli, Amarapura, Tegginabudhihal, Bevinahalli, Chaganur, and Sirwar villages.

The government in principle agreed to provide 93.6 litres per day (LPD) of water from the downstream of the Tungabhadram dam and the Hagari during the monsoon and the promoter should file an application before the Water Resource Department for water allocation.

Gescom would provide 495 MW power and incentives and concessions would be extended to the plant as per the new industrial policy.

The company would have to obtain consent for the establishment and operation of the plant from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests or from the State Department of Forests, Ecology and Environment, if it is applicable.

The State government had also imposed a condition that the company should comply with the provisions of the industrial policy of the State government and the Dr. Sarojini Mahishi Report.

The company would also prepare a plan for the development of human resources for the project and train local people. The Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industries and Commerce will monitor these aspects.