Ramgarh steel plant gets Apr 8 deadline to cut down on pollution

Ramgarh: Political outfits here have asked a private iron and steel plant operating in the city, to cut down on its emissions which is leading to severe air pollution in the city. Former civic body officials have estimated that the air pollution from the plantis affecting over 50,000 residents and even affecting the residents in the garrison which is located just three kilometres away.Bihar Foundry and Casting Limited (BFCL) has faced mounting protests from civil society groups and political parties who have asked the plant's management to cut down on emissions by April 8. Locals, including hundreds of women, took to the streets in to demonstrate against the plant management.Following residents' complaints, Hazaribag MP Manish Jaiswal also met the factory officials and administration on March 8 and asked the company to curtail emissions within a month. The situation has created particular concern due to the plant's proximity to both civilian populations and military installations. Residents said they are worried about long-term health implications if immediate measures were not taken.Former vice-chairman of Ramgarh Cantonment Board, Anmol Singh, said, "Around 50,000 residents in ward no.1 are severely affected by pollution. The impact extends to the Ramgarh Military Station, where two Indian Army regiments are stationed."Shantnu Mishra, spokesperson for the Congress in Ramgarh, said the party will launch an agitation if the BFCL does not comply with its assurance.Ramgarh SDO Anurag Kumar Tiwari said action would be taken against the BFCL management for the adverse health impacts among the residents.BFCL senior official Rakesh Kumar acknowledged the issue, attributing the release of unpurified air to technical problems. "Work is underway to address the problem, and we will completely control air pollution within a few days," he assured.