NMDC’s Nagarnar Steel Plant in Bastar Likely to Be Bought by the Chhattisgarh Government

Raipur: The members of Chhattisgarh State Legislative Assembly have unanimously expressed their willingness to buy the Nagarnar Integrated Steel plant, which is currently owned by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) of the central government.

The steel plant is located in the tribal region of Bastar district in Chhattisgarh and spreads across an area of 1980 acres. The steel plant produces 3 million tons of integrated steel every year. 

Kawasi Lakhma, the State Minister for Excise and Commerce Industries, however, opposed the decision of the members. Later on, the unanimous decision was partially amended, as the opposition expressed doubt on the state’s ability to buy and operate the plant if the central government decides to dethrone it.

On that, CM Baghel also asked the members of the opposition if they would give their support, and they gave nods on that. Dharamlal Kaushik, an opposition leader also assured that the leaders would visit the national capital to discuss the matter with the central government. 

“It is necessary to win the heart of people of Bastar and setting up on Nagarnar Steel Plant was the first step towards this” – said Dharamjit Singh, Janata Congress member, urging CM Baghel to request the PM of India and other union cabinet ministers not to dethrone the Nagarnar Steel Plant.

“The local tribes had parted with their land for setting up a public sector unit. In the event of disinvestment, the state government is ready to take over and run the plant and it would not allow the transfer of this integrated steel plant into private hands”, asserted CM Baghel.