Major industries in Odisha unfazed

Efforts to keep operations on; government promises to keep hydro power going

Unfazed by ‘Phailin’, the severe cyclonic storm which is projected to hit south Odisha initially, most industrial units in the region have ruled out a shutdown. The storm is predicted to have a devastating effect in south Odisha's districts, particularly Ganjam.

Industrial units are prepared to carry on operations if there is no disruption in power. “We will be forced to shut down if power supply is disrupted,” said A K Singh, vice-president of Jayashree Chemicals, an S K Bangur Group firm. The only caustic soda manufacturing unit in the state, it is close to the Ganjam coast. The company has had a series of meetings to discuss preparedness.

The Odisha Sands Complex, a unit of Indian Rare Earths Ltd, expects its mineral separation plant to run as usual if power supply is not interrupted. “Excavation of sand minerals will be hit if wind speed is high,” said Sukanta Patnaik, public relations officer of IREL.

Production at JK Paper Mills and Utkal Alumina, the other two important industries in south Odisha, is unlikely to be hampered. “We have made arrangements for drinking water, dry foods, medicines and other essential materials for our employees at the plant site,” said Ramesh Chandra Jha, chief of Utkal Alumina.

M C Goel, vice-president (executive) of JK Paper, said: “We will take all necessary steps to ensure running of the plant and safety of the employees during the cyclonic storm.”

Paradip Port Trust on Friday halted cargo handling operations in the area. It has ordered all vessels to stay away from the berthing area. “All vessels have been removed from the port to safe areas. All floating marine crafts are kept in safe places inside the harbour. One control room is also being maintained at the signal station of the port to regularly monitor the weather. The marine department is kept on alert for any eventuality in the harbour area,” it stated.

Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) said though its top priority would be to keep supply on, it was also ready to handle any other emergency due to the cyclone. “We would also remain ready to extend our helping hand towards the affected people, working hand in hand with the Odisha government,” an MCL spokesperson said.

The state government has also decided to run its hydro electric units  in south Odisha. “We have decided to release water from the Indrabati, Kolab and Balimela reservoirs to accommodate storm water. Production of hydro power from these units will not be hit,” said P K Jena, secretary (energy). “The water level in the reservoirs will be maintained in such a way that hydro power production is not hampered.”