The completion of the (a) Kurdha Rd - Balangir new line, (b) Lanjigarh Rd - Junagarh new line, (c) broad gauge conversion of Naupada Rd and Gunupur and (d) the completion of the Gunupur-Theruvali line will have the following benefits. [Among these, with the current funding level (b) and (c) will be completed in a couple of years. What is needed is a big push to complete (a) and (d) in the next 3-4 years.]
1. Parlakhemundi, the district headquarter of Gajapati will be on Broad gauge rail and will be 305 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [c]
2. Sonepur, the district HQ of Sonepur district will be on Broad gauge rail and will be 259 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [a]
3. Boudh, the district HQ of Boudha district will be on Broad gauge and will be 217 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital).[a]
4. Nayagarha, the district HQ of Nayagarha district will be on Broad gauge and will be 84 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital). [a]
5. Bhawanipatna, the district HQ of Kalahandi district will be on Broad gauge and will be 450 kms from Bhubaneswar via Balangir [a,b] and 504 kms from Bhubaneswar (the state capital) via Gunupur. [b,c,d]
6. Balangir, the district HQ of Balangir district will now be 309 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 397 kms. [a]
7. Nawapara Rd, near the district HQ of Nawapara district will now be 459 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 547 kms. [a]
8. Rayagada, the district HQ of Rayagada district will now be 419 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 502 kms. [c,d]
Koraput, the district HQ of Koraput district will now be 573 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 676 kms. [c,d]
9. Titlagarh, a major junction will now be 373 kms from Bhubaneswar instead of the earlier 461 kms. [a]
Thus these four lines will connect 5 new district HQs to the broad gauge railways and will significantly reduce the distance between 4 other district HQs and the state capital. That is 8 district HQs would be within half-a-day intercity distance away from the state capital and the 9th one (Koraput) will be within a overnight ride from the state capital.
Two further extensions of Junagarh-Nawarangpur and Jeypore-Malkangiri will bring two other KBK district HQs to be connected to the broad gauge railways.
Following explains the calculations [orissalinks] :
1. Parlakhemundi-Naupada Rd is 40 kms and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms.
2. Sonepur to Khurda Rd is 240 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
3. Boudha to Khurda Rd is 198 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
4. Nayagarh to Khurda Rd is 65 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms.
5. Bhawanipatna to Lanjiharh Rd is 30 kms, Lanjigarh Rd to Titlagarh is 47 kms, Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms, Balangir to Khurda Rd is 290 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms. Lanjigarh Rd to Theruvali is 74 kms, Theruvali to Gunupur is estimated to be 45 kms, Gunupur to Naupada rd is 90 kms, and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms.
6. Balangir to Khurda Rd is 290 kms and Khurda Rd to Bhubaneswar is 19 kms. Balangir to Sambalpur is 118 kms, Sambalpur to Talcher Rd is 169 kms, Talcher Thermal to Barang is 94 kms and Barang to Bhubaneswar is 16 kms.
7. Nawapara Rd to Titlagarh is 86 kms and Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms.
8. Rayagada to Theruvali is 19 kms, Theruvali to Naupada Rd is estimated to be 135 kms and Naupada Rd to Bhubaneswar is 265 kms. Rayagad to Vijainagaram is 124 kms and Vijainagaram to Bhubaneswar is 378 kms.
9. Koraput to Rayagada is 174 kms.
10. Titlagarh to Balangir is 64 kms.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Tathya: Black Hole syndrome hits KBK
Koraput:29/May/2007
While massive industrialization of the state is trumpeted by the Naveen Government it seems the worst sufferer will be KBK (undivided Kalahandi, Balangir and Koraput) districts.
Now it is abundantly clear that industries would develop in the KBK region or not in the distant future is all but wishful thinking or at best a hopeful guess work.
However, by the time these wishes and guesses come true, the entire KBK would look like a huge Black Hole.
Take the case of 'Mali Parbat' in Koraput. The State Government has leased out the Aditya Alumina (Hindalco) to mine the huge mountain, rich in mineral deposits.
The Company's commitment at Koraput is a paltry Rs.13 lakh plus as compensation to 30 odd families.
The employment that would be generated would be a paltry 100 odd, and that too in the semi-skilled and unskilled segments.
The minerals will be carted to the refinery at Lucknow in UP and in turn it will feed the smelting plant at Hirakud to meet its capacity, which as of date is not even one - third.
So after losing huge mineral wealth Orissa in general and KBK of Koraput in particular would gain NOTHING.
In the name of investment the industrialists will save razing to ground every other mineral mountain and Black Holes for posterity.
What indeed is shocking is that the Company has suo motu agreed to pay 3 times higher cost of land and yet it works out to a mere Rs.13 lakh.
Worse, no politician of any hue is making any noise.
It is alleged that sufficient greasing has been done to buy silence.
That is but obvious with the ensuing elections to the State Assembly in late 2008.
The officials who have recommended the project are now enjoying a lot at the cost of the innocent tribals, alleged an activist.
Bureaucrat and political nexus that seems apparent in this sordid deal, all that KBK would have is a HUGE BLACK HOLE, what is now engulfing ranges of unending mountains.
Sadly, the poor tribals of Koraput are not even aware that the Paradise on which they are dependant on today for their very survival will soon become a veritable Hell.
While massive industrialization of the state is trumpeted by the Naveen Government it seems the worst sufferer will be KBK (undivided Kalahandi, Balangir and Koraput) districts.
Now it is abundantly clear that industries would develop in the KBK region or not in the distant future is all but wishful thinking or at best a hopeful guess work.
However, by the time these wishes and guesses come true, the entire KBK would look like a huge Black Hole.
Take the case of 'Mali Parbat' in Koraput. The State Government has leased out the Aditya Alumina (Hindalco) to mine the huge mountain, rich in mineral deposits.
The Company's commitment at Koraput is a paltry Rs.13 lakh plus as compensation to 30 odd families.
The employment that would be generated would be a paltry 100 odd, and that too in the semi-skilled and unskilled segments.
The minerals will be carted to the refinery at Lucknow in UP and in turn it will feed the smelting plant at Hirakud to meet its capacity, which as of date is not even one - third.
So after losing huge mineral wealth Orissa in general and KBK of Koraput in particular would gain NOTHING.
In the name of investment the industrialists will save razing to ground every other mineral mountain and Black Holes for posterity.
What indeed is shocking is that the Company has suo motu agreed to pay 3 times higher cost of land and yet it works out to a mere Rs.13 lakh.
Worse, no politician of any hue is making any noise.
It is alleged that sufficient greasing has been done to buy silence.
That is but obvious with the ensuing elections to the State Assembly in late 2008.
The officials who have recommended the project are now enjoying a lot at the cost of the innocent tribals, alleged an activist.
Bureaucrat and political nexus that seems apparent in this sordid deal, all that KBK would have is a HUGE BLACK HOLE, what is now engulfing ranges of unending mountains.
Sadly, the poor tribals of Koraput are not even aware that the Paradise on which they are dependant on today for their very survival will soon become a veritable Hell.
Govt to launch enterprise development programme
The New Indian Express, May 28, 2007
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has decided to launch enterprise development programme in 200 villages in the catchment area of Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project to create alternative employment opportunities and end dependence on forest.
The enterprise development activities planned by the Government include value addition to non-timber forest product, medicinal plants, agriculture and horticulture products, leaf plate making, hill broom making, mushroom cultivation, spawn production, fruit preservation and opening of handicraft centre for bamboo articles.
Interventions planned under the project are focused to conserve natural resources and improve economic conditions of people in the project villages. Bio-diversity conservation followed by sustainable non-destructive harvest would increase availability of raw materials needed by the people for livelihood support.
The project was constructed during the eighties across the Kolab river at Koranga village in Koraput district. The installed capacity of the project is to generate 320 MW of power and provide irrigation for 44,454 hectares.
The river originates in the Sinkaran hills of the Eastern Ghats in Koraput district. It flows through Jeypore tehsil and forms Orissa-Chhattisgarh border. The reservoir is now under serious threat of siltation which has reduced its storage capacity and life span.
According to sources, villagers will be encouraged planting on backyard/farm land by making available quality planting materials through nurseries. Besides the line departments, the self-help groups, the VSS, watershed committees and other village-level institutions will be involved in the implementation of the project.
As per the detailed project report, Rs 109 crore will be spent over a period of seven years. A project director stationed at Koraput will head the Mission to coordinate the activities of the different line departments. Besides, the project-level steering committee will be headed by the Administrator, KBK, and the Chief Secretary will be the head of the State-level monitoring committee.
The funds will be routed through the catchment area management society.
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has decided to launch enterprise development programme in 200 villages in the catchment area of Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project to create alternative employment opportunities and end dependence on forest.
The enterprise development activities planned by the Government include value addition to non-timber forest product, medicinal plants, agriculture and horticulture products, leaf plate making, hill broom making, mushroom cultivation, spawn production, fruit preservation and opening of handicraft centre for bamboo articles.
Interventions planned under the project are focused to conserve natural resources and improve economic conditions of people in the project villages. Bio-diversity conservation followed by sustainable non-destructive harvest would increase availability of raw materials needed by the people for livelihood support.
The project was constructed during the eighties across the Kolab river at Koranga village in Koraput district. The installed capacity of the project is to generate 320 MW of power and provide irrigation for 44,454 hectares.
The river originates in the Sinkaran hills of the Eastern Ghats in Koraput district. It flows through Jeypore tehsil and forms Orissa-Chhattisgarh border. The reservoir is now under serious threat of siltation which has reduced its storage capacity and life span.
According to sources, villagers will be encouraged planting on backyard/farm land by making available quality planting materials through nurseries. Besides the line departments, the self-help groups, the VSS, watershed committees and other village-level institutions will be involved in the implementation of the project.
As per the detailed project report, Rs 109 crore will be spent over a period of seven years. A project director stationed at Koraput will head the Mission to coordinate the activities of the different line departments. Besides, the project-level steering committee will be headed by the Administrator, KBK, and the Chief Secretary will be the head of the State-level monitoring committee.
The funds will be routed through the catchment area management society.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Center Promises for Khurdha-Balangir NH-224 Road
State lays roadmap for 1,000 km double lane
The New Indian Express, Wednesday May 23 2007 12:07 IST
BHUBANESWAR: More than 1,000 km of National Highway of the State, which are either one lane or intermediate lane, will be improved to double lane in the fourth phase of the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP).
Union Road Transport and Highway Secretary Vijay Singh, who is on a visit to the State, informed this to Works Minister A.U Singhdeo here on Tuesday.
The State will get Rs 2,200 crore under NHDP over a period of five years. A mechanism will be put in place to spend Rs 480 crore annually for development of National Highways. Presently, the State is receiving Rs 80 crore from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
The Minister proposed to convert 660 km of single lane and 461 km of intermediate-lane into double lane. Singh said the proposed National Highways will be taken up in the fourth phase of NHDP.
Responding to the Minister’s concern on the slow progress of the Khurda-Balangir NH-224, the Union Secretary said Rs 76 crore was allotted for the NH in 2006-07 and the required amount will be made available in the current year.
The Naranpur-Harichandanpur-Bamnipal road has been approved by the Eleventh Finance Commission and Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned for the project. Singhdeo called for urgent repair of the Panikoili-Rajamunda NH-215 and Kanaktara-Chandikhole NH-210.
The New Indian Express, Wednesday May 23 2007 12:07 IST
BHUBANESWAR: More than 1,000 km of National Highway of the State, which are either one lane or intermediate lane, will be improved to double lane in the fourth phase of the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP).
Union Road Transport and Highway Secretary Vijay Singh, who is on a visit to the State, informed this to Works Minister A.U Singhdeo here on Tuesday.
The State will get Rs 2,200 crore under NHDP over a period of five years. A mechanism will be put in place to spend Rs 480 crore annually for development of National Highways. Presently, the State is receiving Rs 80 crore from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
The Minister proposed to convert 660 km of single lane and 461 km of intermediate-lane into double lane. Singh said the proposed National Highways will be taken up in the fourth phase of NHDP.
Responding to the Minister’s concern on the slow progress of the Khurda-Balangir NH-224, the Union Secretary said Rs 76 crore was allotted for the NH in 2006-07 and the required amount will be made available in the current year.
The Naranpur-Harichandanpur-Bamnipal road has been approved by the Eleventh Finance Commission and Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned for the project. Singhdeo called for urgent repair of the Panikoili-Rajamunda NH-215 and Kanaktara-Chandikhole NH-210.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Some Collected Opinion:-
On KBK Infrastructure...
Dear Sir,
Kandhmal District is always neglected, but your voice will definitely make a impact on overall development of the region. Thanks for that.
As Kandhmal is neither in the KBK or in the costal region. Administration and Every Party seems to neglect it in every respect of development.
I strongly support your view for a new railway line from Bhawanipatna to Bhubaneswar via Plulbani.
Please continue to include Kandhmal while you pitch for any development works.
Thanks
Regards
Asutosh
(Comment to this site)
________________________________________________________________________________
On Vedanta University .....
Dear Readers,
.......................It may once again be noted that the great Benevolent and Philanthropic Agarwal could not even set up a proper Medical Centre at Lanjigarh, the Site of Vedanta Alumina, for the workers engaged in the Construction of the Project and also for the thousands of people displaced by the Project, as per the Video footage broadcast by ETV-Oriya Channel on the 2nd May. Certainly this is NOT the trait of a World Class Visionary!
Indeed, a true philanthropic human being, would have set up a Multi-speciality Medical hospital in the district of Kalahandi, where the vendanta Alumina Project is located.
People shd not forget that a Man is known by his action and not by his statements. We are anxiously waiting for Vedanta to first set up a proper Medical Centre with qualified Doctors and all facilities, before we could repose our confidence in Vedanta Group.................
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Jibanendar Mahanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)______________________________________________________________________________
On IIT in Orissa ........
Dear All,
Rayagada or Jeypore in south Orissa or Baripada in north Orissa should be chosen.
Human resources in Cuttack, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Baleswar and Sambalpur are much developed and competetive.So please give top priority to Rayagada or Jeypore or Baripada.
Regards
Binod
Biond K Mohanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)
............................................................
Dear All,
With due respect to feelings of various readers, I would suggest that the
IIT ( for Orissa) should be located in the district of KALAHANDI.
Hope that the High-tech Institute will erase the general perception abt
Kalahandi ( which was synonym for Starvation Death).
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Jibanendar Mahanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)
_________________________________________________________________
Dear Sir,
Kandhmal District is always neglected, but your voice will definitely make a impact on overall development of the region. Thanks for that.
As Kandhmal is neither in the KBK or in the costal region. Administration and Every Party seems to neglect it in every respect of development.
I strongly support your view for a new railway line from Bhawanipatna to Bhubaneswar via Plulbani.
Please continue to include Kandhmal while you pitch for any development works.
Thanks
Regards
Asutosh
(Comment to this site)
________________________________________________________________________________
On Vedanta University .....
Dear Readers,
.......................It may once again be noted that the great Benevolent and Philanthropic Agarwal could not even set up a proper Medical Centre at Lanjigarh, the Site of Vedanta Alumina, for the workers engaged in the Construction of the Project and also for the thousands of people displaced by the Project, as per the Video footage broadcast by ETV-Oriya Channel on the 2nd May. Certainly this is NOT the trait of a World Class Visionary!
Indeed, a true philanthropic human being, would have set up a Multi-speciality Medical hospital in the district of Kalahandi, where the vendanta Alumina Project is located.
People shd not forget that a Man is known by his action and not by his statements. We are anxiously waiting for Vedanta to first set up a proper Medical Centre with qualified Doctors and all facilities, before we could repose our confidence in Vedanta Group.................
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Jibanendar Mahanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)______________________________________________________________________________
On IIT in Orissa ........
Dear All,
Rayagada or Jeypore in south Orissa or Baripada in north Orissa should be chosen.
Human resources in Cuttack, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Baleswar and Sambalpur are much developed and competetive.So please give top priority to Rayagada or Jeypore or Baripada.
Regards
Binod
Biond K Mohanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)
............................................................
Dear All,
With due respect to feelings of various readers, I would suggest that the
IIT ( for Orissa) should be located in the district of KALAHANDI.
Hope that the High-tech Institute will erase the general perception abt
Kalahandi ( which was synonym for Starvation Death).
Thanks,
J.N.Mahanty
Jibanendar Mahanty
(Collected from OrissaToday Network)
_________________________________________________________________
Tathya: Turn at KBK for industry
Bhawanipatna:16/May/2007
While Orissa is witnessing an unprecedented boom in industrial growth recently, industrial prospects of KBK area looks bleak.
Except few mineral based industries none of the other industries seems to be interested in the backward region of the state.
How ever the State Government in its Industrial Policy-2007 have announced special incentives for non-mineral based new industrial units to be located in KBK region along with Kandhamal, Gajapati and Mayurbhanj.
But this is not enough.
There are many possibilities to bring industries to this large backward cluster but it needs strong commitments by our policy makers and political leaders.
This backward region suffers major bottle neck of infrastructure.
Emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convinced to invest in KBK region.
State government has already signed 43 MOUs only in the steel sector; if these are actually implemented then it is quite enough for a state like Orissa.
Therefore, now the Government of Orissa should modify a bit the exiting rule for steel industry putting a new clause that any new proposal to establish steel industry in the state will be considered only if it would be located in KBK region or other no major industries districts like Kandhamal, Gajapati or Mayurbhanj district, otherwise mining rights would not be provided.
For growth of down stream industries in KBK region NALCO, Vedanta Alumina Ltd, and Utkal Alumina Ltd should be encouraged to establish industrial park at Koraput, Bhawanipatan and Rayagada respectively rather in non-KBK region.
IRRIGATION AND HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT: Project:
KBK region has the higher potential for generating electricity through hydroelectricity project that needs construction of new dams.
However it needs huge amount of investment that the state government might not commit in a single instance, therefore private players should be encouraged to establish dam for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation purposes in this region.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(IT) INDUSTRIES:
IT and BPO has generated huge employment in India recently.
Bhubaneswar is already emerging as an IT and ITES destination in the country.
In the next step the state government should expand these industries to other parts of the state.
There are already plan for expanding IT parks in Rourkela and Berhampur.
Keeping geographical location and future growth of KBK region in mind, the state government should establish at least three IT parks in Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir for the whole region for IT, BPO and KPO industries.
Establishment of three real universities in the region would benefit these industries.
BIOTECHNOLOGY PARK:
As such KBK region has great potential for biotechnology, especially, for agricultural biotechnology, herbal biotechnology and medicinal biotechnology.
Plantation of herbal plants and agricultural biotechnology in this region would be much beneficial.
KBK region could be a very good source of ethanol from not only agriculture but also from the forest.
Mahul a locally known forest flower that is used to make local wine) could be a good source for ethanol and methanol.
Though wine is locally discouraged, nevertheless it can be used for industrial growth to export out side the country.
The export market of Indian made wine and beer is flourishing recently.
Orissa should encourage such activity by inviting major industrialists to invest in wine and food processing market.
We must explore the possibility of local made products for export market, so that it will benefit the state government to generate more tax.
And local people including those tribal people who collect Mahul from the forest for making local wine, who are paid much lesswill also be benefitted.
The region would also be a good source for bio-diesel and bio-fuel production.
Therefore, the state government should establish biotechnology parks in the three major towns such as Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Balangir to explore all the above possibilities in KBK region.
PDF
While Orissa is witnessing an unprecedented boom in industrial growth recently, industrial prospects of KBK area looks bleak.
Except few mineral based industries none of the other industries seems to be interested in the backward region of the state.
How ever the State Government in its Industrial Policy-2007 have announced special incentives for non-mineral based new industrial units to be located in KBK region along with Kandhamal, Gajapati and Mayurbhanj.
But this is not enough.
There are many possibilities to bring industries to this large backward cluster but it needs strong commitments by our policy makers and political leaders.
This backward region suffers major bottle neck of infrastructure.
Emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convinced to invest in KBK region.
State government has already signed 43 MOUs only in the steel sector; if these are actually implemented then it is quite enough for a state like Orissa.
Therefore, now the Government of Orissa should modify a bit the exiting rule for steel industry putting a new clause that any new proposal to establish steel industry in the state will be considered only if it would be located in KBK region or other no major industries districts like Kandhamal, Gajapati or Mayurbhanj district, otherwise mining rights would not be provided.
For growth of down stream industries in KBK region NALCO, Vedanta Alumina Ltd, and Utkal Alumina Ltd should be encouraged to establish industrial park at Koraput, Bhawanipatan and Rayagada respectively rather in non-KBK region.
IRRIGATION AND HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT: Project:
KBK region has the higher potential for generating electricity through hydroelectricity project that needs construction of new dams.
However it needs huge amount of investment that the state government might not commit in a single instance, therefore private players should be encouraged to establish dam for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation purposes in this region.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(IT) INDUSTRIES:
IT and BPO has generated huge employment in India recently.
Bhubaneswar is already emerging as an IT and ITES destination in the country.
In the next step the state government should expand these industries to other parts of the state.
There are already plan for expanding IT parks in Rourkela and Berhampur.
Keeping geographical location and future growth of KBK region in mind, the state government should establish at least three IT parks in Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir for the whole region for IT, BPO and KPO industries.
Establishment of three real universities in the region would benefit these industries.
BIOTECHNOLOGY PARK:
As such KBK region has great potential for biotechnology, especially, for agricultural biotechnology, herbal biotechnology and medicinal biotechnology.
Plantation of herbal plants and agricultural biotechnology in this region would be much beneficial.
KBK region could be a very good source of ethanol from not only agriculture but also from the forest.
Mahul a locally known forest flower that is used to make local wine) could be a good source for ethanol and methanol.
Though wine is locally discouraged, nevertheless it can be used for industrial growth to export out side the country.
The export market of Indian made wine and beer is flourishing recently.
Orissa should encourage such activity by inviting major industrialists to invest in wine and food processing market.
We must explore the possibility of local made products for export market, so that it will benefit the state government to generate more tax.
And local people including those tribal people who collect Mahul from the forest for making local wine, who are paid much lesswill also be benefitted.
The region would also be a good source for bio-diesel and bio-fuel production.
Therefore, the state government should establish biotechnology parks in the three major towns such as Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Balangir to explore all the above possibilities in KBK region.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Possibilities in Bringing Industries to KBK+ Region
Mining and Metal: KBK+ region is rich in bauxite, gemstone, and other minerals. State government has made a special tax benefit for industrialists to establish industries in KBK. However, it is not enough to bring investment to a backward region like this where infrastructure is in bottleneck. Emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convienced to invest in KBK+ region.
State government has already signed 43 MOUs only in the steel sector; if these are actually implemented then it is quite enough for a state like Orissa. Therefore, now the state government should modify a bit the exiting rule for steel industry putting a new clause that any new proposal to establish steel industry in the state will be considered only if it would be located in KBK+ region or Mayurbhanj district, otherwise mining rights would not be provided.
For growth of down stream industries in KBK+ region NALCO, Vedanta Alumina Ltd, and Utkal Alumina Ltd should be encouraged to establish industrial park at Koraput, Bhawanipatan and Rayagada respectively.
Irrigation and Hydroelectric Project: KBK+ region has the higher potential for generating electricity through hydroelectricity project that needs construction of new dams. The state government should encourage private players to establish dam for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation purposes in this region.
Information Technology, BPO, and KPO: IT and BPO generate lots of employment in India recently. Bhubaneswar is already emerging as an IT and ITES destination in the country. In the next step the state government should expand these industries to other parts of the state. There are already plan for Rourkela, Berhampur. Keeping geographical location, distance and future growth of KBK* region in mind, the state government should establish at least three IT parks in Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir for the whole region for IT, BPO and KPO. Establishment of three real universities as proposed earlier in the region would benefit these industries.
Biotechnology Park: As such KBK+ region has great potential for biotechnology, especially for agricultural biotechnology, herbal biotechnology and medicinal biotechnology. Plantation of herbal plants and agricultural biotechnology in this region would be much beneficial.
KBK+ region could be a very good source of ethanol from not only agriculture but also the forest. Mahul (a locally known forest flower that is used to make local wine) could be a good source for ethanol and methanol. Though wine is locally discouraged, nevertheless it can be used for industrial growth to export out side the country. The export market of Indian made wine and beer is flourishing recently. Orissa should encourage such activity by inviting major industrialists to invest in wine and food processing market to explore the possibility of local made products for export market so that it will benefit both the state government and local people that included tribal people who collect Mahul from the forest for local making local wine. As realized by the state government the region would also be a source for bio-diesel and bio-fuel production.
Therefore, the state government should establish biotechnology parks in the three major towns such as Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Balangir to explore all the above possibilities in KBK+ region.
State government has already signed 43 MOUs only in the steel sector; if these are actually implemented then it is quite enough for a state like Orissa. Therefore, now the state government should modify a bit the exiting rule for steel industry putting a new clause that any new proposal to establish steel industry in the state will be considered only if it would be located in KBK+ region or Mayurbhanj district, otherwise mining rights would not be provided.
For growth of down stream industries in KBK+ region NALCO, Vedanta Alumina Ltd, and Utkal Alumina Ltd should be encouraged to establish industrial park at Koraput, Bhawanipatan and Rayagada respectively.
Irrigation and Hydroelectric Project: KBK+ region has the higher potential for generating electricity through hydroelectricity project that needs construction of new dams. The state government should encourage private players to establish dam for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation purposes in this region.
Information Technology, BPO, and KPO: IT and BPO generate lots of employment in India recently. Bhubaneswar is already emerging as an IT and ITES destination in the country. In the next step the state government should expand these industries to other parts of the state. There are already plan for Rourkela, Berhampur. Keeping geographical location, distance and future growth of KBK* region in mind, the state government should establish at least three IT parks in Koraput, Bhawanipatna and Balangir for the whole region for IT, BPO and KPO. Establishment of three real universities as proposed earlier in the region would benefit these industries.
Biotechnology Park: As such KBK+ region has great potential for biotechnology, especially for agricultural biotechnology, herbal biotechnology and medicinal biotechnology. Plantation of herbal plants and agricultural biotechnology in this region would be much beneficial.
KBK+ region could be a very good source of ethanol from not only agriculture but also the forest. Mahul (a locally known forest flower that is used to make local wine) could be a good source for ethanol and methanol. Though wine is locally discouraged, nevertheless it can be used for industrial growth to export out side the country. The export market of Indian made wine and beer is flourishing recently. Orissa should encourage such activity by inviting major industrialists to invest in wine and food processing market to explore the possibility of local made products for export market so that it will benefit both the state government and local people that included tribal people who collect Mahul from the forest for local making local wine. As realized by the state government the region would also be a source for bio-diesel and bio-fuel production.
Therefore, the state government should establish biotechnology parks in the three major towns such as Bhawanipatna, Koraput and Balangir to explore all the above possibilities in KBK+ region.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Prospective of KBK in Mining and Industries
Pratisruti Plus, May 1~15, 2007, PDF
KBK is a mineral and natural resources rich region in the state, mainly bauxites, gem stones, graphite, manganese, limestone, quartz, diamond etc are abundantly present in the region, but these resources are limited and not in the scale of Orissa’s North-Western region that has huge deposits of coal, chromites, iron ores, and other minerals. Coal is the basic need for most of the mineral and mining based industries in an energy starving country like India. Therefore, most of the proposals coming to Orissa in mining and mineral based industries are either in the coal rich North-Western region or in the costal region which is proxy to port for export market.
KBK which has neither coal deposits nor proxy to any port in Orissa has unimpressive industrial proposals in mining and mineral based industries. Except NALCO in Damanojodi no other major mining industry was located in KBK. Recently some graphite based and ferro alloy industries of small scale size are being established in this region. The most cited mining based industrial proposal in KBK in recent times is the Alumina Refineries in Kashipur and Lanjigarh. However, these industries are often more known for controversies and political power struggle rather than actual progress. In fact political and environmental problems associated with these plants are so much complicated that it’s not only slowing down the implementation of the project but also discouraging other industrialists to invest in this region. KBK has a large forest area and people should bear in mind that a small environmental and forest degradation for development of industries in this backward region would be worthy for its social development. Social workers and politicians should rather be seriously concerned about other sources like forest fire, deforestation, etc which is really degrading large sum of forest land and environment in the KBK region.
In the mean time the state government should also encourage industrial houses to establish industries in backward KBK region rather than focusing only in few regions in Orissa. For example, Vedanta Alumina has recently signed a MOU to establish alumina-aluminium complex in Lanjigarh and Jharsuguda. There are many proposals around Jharsuguda for mining based industries like steel, thermal plants etc, some of which are of large scale; therefore, environmental degradation in this region will be quite higher. It could be possible to shift some of the industries to other less degraded region like KBK. For instance it would have been wiser if initially the state government could have negotiated with the Vendant Alumina to make its entire proposed complex including the proposed aluminium smelter in Kalahandi (Lanjigarh) or KBK region instead of Jharsuguda.
State government has made a special tax benefit for industrialists to establish industries in KBK. However, it is not enough to bring investment to a backward region like this. So, emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convinced to invest in KBK region. For example, Orissa government has already signed 43 MOUs for steel industries in Orissa and many big players like POSCO, Arcelor-Mittal, Tata, Jindal etc are investing in this sector. The government has enough proposals for steel for a state like Orissa, so now onwards it should focus on their proper implementation and make a new rule that any new steel industry must come in KBK, otherwise mining right would not be provided to that company.
Many parts of KBK region have not made any scientific survey for minerals though the region has potential for minerals like gemstones, diamond, gold, bauxites, iron ores, quartz, graphite, manganese etc. The state government should take initiative in this regard.
Unless state and central government give special attention to establish industries in KBK by developing infrastructure and giving special emphasis, the development of this part of the planet is in darkness. Mining as well as agriculture are Orissa’s core assets towards developments at this hour. One in expense of the other will spoil the development of Orissa. Both should be treated as two sides of a coin towards development. Therefore, any thing that would mix both the issues would bring chaos that Orissa is going through presently. The best way is to treat both industry and agriculture with equal importance to come out from the acute poverty and backwardness in KBK. Indeed, prospective of KBK lies in its industrial growth to which the mining sector has the potential to contribute in a large way.
KBK is a mineral and natural resources rich region in the state, mainly bauxites, gem stones, graphite, manganese, limestone, quartz, diamond etc are abundantly present in the region, but these resources are limited and not in the scale of Orissa’s North-Western region that has huge deposits of coal, chromites, iron ores, and other minerals. Coal is the basic need for most of the mineral and mining based industries in an energy starving country like India. Therefore, most of the proposals coming to Orissa in mining and mineral based industries are either in the coal rich North-Western region or in the costal region which is proxy to port for export market.
KBK which has neither coal deposits nor proxy to any port in Orissa has unimpressive industrial proposals in mining and mineral based industries. Except NALCO in Damanojodi no other major mining industry was located in KBK. Recently some graphite based and ferro alloy industries of small scale size are being established in this region. The most cited mining based industrial proposal in KBK in recent times is the Alumina Refineries in Kashipur and Lanjigarh. However, these industries are often more known for controversies and political power struggle rather than actual progress. In fact political and environmental problems associated with these plants are so much complicated that it’s not only slowing down the implementation of the project but also discouraging other industrialists to invest in this region. KBK has a large forest area and people should bear in mind that a small environmental and forest degradation for development of industries in this backward region would be worthy for its social development. Social workers and politicians should rather be seriously concerned about other sources like forest fire, deforestation, etc which is really degrading large sum of forest land and environment in the KBK region.
In the mean time the state government should also encourage industrial houses to establish industries in backward KBK region rather than focusing only in few regions in Orissa. For example, Vedanta Alumina has recently signed a MOU to establish alumina-aluminium complex in Lanjigarh and Jharsuguda. There are many proposals around Jharsuguda for mining based industries like steel, thermal plants etc, some of which are of large scale; therefore, environmental degradation in this region will be quite higher. It could be possible to shift some of the industries to other less degraded region like KBK. For instance it would have been wiser if initially the state government could have negotiated with the Vendant Alumina to make its entire proposed complex including the proposed aluminium smelter in Kalahandi (Lanjigarh) or KBK region instead of Jharsuguda.
State government has made a special tax benefit for industrialists to establish industries in KBK. However, it is not enough to bring investment to a backward region like this. So, emphasis should be given by the state government in such a way that industrialists are convinced to invest in KBK region. For example, Orissa government has already signed 43 MOUs for steel industries in Orissa and many big players like POSCO, Arcelor-Mittal, Tata, Jindal etc are investing in this sector. The government has enough proposals for steel for a state like Orissa, so now onwards it should focus on their proper implementation and make a new rule that any new steel industry must come in KBK, otherwise mining right would not be provided to that company.
Many parts of KBK region have not made any scientific survey for minerals though the region has potential for minerals like gemstones, diamond, gold, bauxites, iron ores, quartz, graphite, manganese etc. The state government should take initiative in this regard.
Unless state and central government give special attention to establish industries in KBK by developing infrastructure and giving special emphasis, the development of this part of the planet is in darkness. Mining as well as agriculture are Orissa’s core assets towards developments at this hour. One in expense of the other will spoil the development of Orissa. Both should be treated as two sides of a coin towards development. Therefore, any thing that would mix both the issues would bring chaos that Orissa is going through presently. The best way is to treat both industry and agriculture with equal importance to come out from the acute poverty and backwardness in KBK. Indeed, prospective of KBK lies in its industrial growth to which the mining sector has the potential to contribute in a large way.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Good news for KBK but Kandhamal was still ignored by Orissa State Road Project
The New Indian Express on May 1, 2007, PDF, quoted that state government along with World Bank have cleared Orissa State Road Project (OSRP) to be implemented in three phases.
“The roads proposed under Phase-I is 835 kilometers of state highways. The roads included in phase-1 are, Berhampur-Digapahandi-JK Pur-Rayagada (201 kilometers), Kereda-Rayagada-JK Pur-Bhawanipatna-Khariar (213 kilometers), Jagatpur-Kendrapara-Chandbali-Bhadrak (152 kilometers), Bhadrak-Anandpur-Karanjia-Jashipur (142 kilometers), Daspalla-Narsinghpur-Hindol-Banarpal (89 kilometers) and Aska-Bhanjanagar (38 kilometers).
Official sources said that at a later stage the 39 kilometre long Dhamra port to Digochhia Chhak road connecting Bhadrak-Chandbali corridor and the 199 kilometer long Mohana-Chandiput-R Udaygiri-Paralakemundi-Gunupur and Bangi junction were added to the project.”
Comment:
These are few good initiatives by the state government to develop road connectivity in KBK region; however, the state government totally ignored one of the backward Kandhamal district and few parts of Kalahandi - Nuapada – Padampur route.
If we assume state government is expecting to implement the proposed Balangir – Khordha national highway in the following route;
Balangir (Balangir district) – Sonepur (Subarnapur district) – Boudh (Boudh district) - Purunakatak (Boudh district) - Dashapalla (Nayagarh Dist) – Nayagarh (Nayagarh Dist) – Khordha (Khordha district)
Then it is fine, other wise Balangir – Sonepur state highway should be included in the above list;
If it also plans to include the following route in the proposed Vijayawada – Ranchi national highway; (Tathya, 5 Dec, 2006, PDF )
Motu (Malkangiri district) – Malkangiri (Malkangiri district) – Mattili (Malkangiri district) – Boipariguda (Koraput district) – Jeypore (Koraput district) – Koraput (Koraput district) – Lakshmipur (Koraput district) - Rayagada (Rayagada district)
Then its fine, otherwise Malkangiri - Koraput – Rayagada route could also be included in the above list.
Of course NH 201 linking Boriguma - Nabarangpur – Bhawanipatna – Balangir – Bargarh would be a great boost to the region, but it needs more central grant for implementation.
Similar to Gajpati and Ganjam districts, Kandhamal district should have given importance in the first phase of road developments, we expected more importance could have given to the following routes:
Purunakatak (Boudh district, meeting point of Balangir-Khorda NH) –Phulbani (Kandhamal district) – Sadingia (Kandhamal district) – Baligurha (Kandhamal district) – Lankagarh (Kandhamal district) – Rampur (Kalahandi district)-Bhawanipatna (Kalahandi district, meeting point of proposed NH 201)
Similarly, the following route also needed attention by the state government in the fist phase,
Sohela (Bargarh district, a meeting point to NH6 towards Bargarh) – Padampur (Bargarg district) - Nuapada (Nuapada district) – Khariar (Nuapada district) – Sinapali (Nuapada district) – Golamunda (Kalahandi district) – Dharamgarh (Kalahandi district) – Moter (Kalahandi district, a meeting point to NH 201)
Hopefully, the sate government would consider the above routes in very near future.
[An Open Letter to the CM of Orissa, PDF]
“The roads proposed under Phase-I is 835 kilometers of state highways. The roads included in phase-1 are, Berhampur-Digapahandi-JK Pur-Rayagada (201 kilometers), Kereda-Rayagada-JK Pur-Bhawanipatna-Khariar (213 kilometers), Jagatpur-Kendrapara-Chandbali-Bhadrak (152 kilometers), Bhadrak-Anandpur-Karanjia-Jashipur (142 kilometers), Daspalla-Narsinghpur-Hindol-Banarpal (89 kilometers) and Aska-Bhanjanagar (38 kilometers).
Official sources said that at a later stage the 39 kilometre long Dhamra port to Digochhia Chhak road connecting Bhadrak-Chandbali corridor and the 199 kilometer long Mohana-Chandiput-R Udaygiri-Paralakemundi-Gunupur and Bangi junction were added to the project.”
Comment:
These are few good initiatives by the state government to develop road connectivity in KBK region; however, the state government totally ignored one of the backward Kandhamal district and few parts of Kalahandi - Nuapada – Padampur route.
If we assume state government is expecting to implement the proposed Balangir – Khordha national highway in the following route;
Balangir (Balangir district) – Sonepur (Subarnapur district) – Boudh (Boudh district) - Purunakatak (Boudh district) - Dashapalla (Nayagarh Dist) – Nayagarh (Nayagarh Dist) – Khordha (Khordha district)
Then it is fine, other wise Balangir – Sonepur state highway should be included in the above list;
If it also plans to include the following route in the proposed Vijayawada – Ranchi national highway; (Tathya, 5 Dec, 2006, PDF )
Motu (Malkangiri district) – Malkangiri (Malkangiri district) – Mattili (Malkangiri district) – Boipariguda (Koraput district) – Jeypore (Koraput district) – Koraput (Koraput district) – Lakshmipur (Koraput district) - Rayagada (Rayagada district)
Then its fine, otherwise Malkangiri - Koraput – Rayagada route could also be included in the above list.
Of course NH 201 linking Boriguma - Nabarangpur – Bhawanipatna – Balangir – Bargarh would be a great boost to the region, but it needs more central grant for implementation.
Similar to Gajpati and Ganjam districts, Kandhamal district should have given importance in the first phase of road developments, we expected more importance could have given to the following routes:
Purunakatak (Boudh district, meeting point of Balangir-Khorda NH) –Phulbani (Kandhamal district) – Sadingia (Kandhamal district) – Baligurha (Kandhamal district) – Lankagarh (Kandhamal district) – Rampur (Kalahandi district)-Bhawanipatna (Kalahandi district, meeting point of proposed NH 201)
Similarly, the following route also needed attention by the state government in the fist phase,
Sohela (Bargarh district, a meeting point to NH6 towards Bargarh) – Padampur (Bargarg district) - Nuapada (Nuapada district) – Khariar (Nuapada district) – Sinapali (Nuapada district) – Golamunda (Kalahandi district) – Dharamgarh (Kalahandi district) – Moter (Kalahandi district, a meeting point to NH 201)
Hopefully, the sate government would consider the above routes in very near future.
[An Open Letter to the CM of Orissa, PDF]
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