SAIL picks Pulwama as site for plant

Public sector undertaking Steel Authority of India (SAIL) will open a Rs 300-crore plant in Pulwama. Construction of the steel plant will begin as soon as SAIL bags a no-objection certificate from the pollution control board of the J&K state government, Union Minister for Steel Ram Vilas Paswan said here today.  

"We are waiting for a no-objection certificate from the PCB. As soon as we receive it, we will lay the foundation stone for the project," Paswan said. His ministry had earlier conveyed to the state government that it would like to commence work on the plant in May, he said, adding that it has been delayed by non-issue of the certificate.  

The leader said the plant, set up at a cost of Rs 300 crore, would open a lot of direct and indirect job opportunities for local youth. 

"We began a railway project from Qazigund to Baramulla in 1996 with the aim of providing employment to locals. I am keen to open the steel plant for the same reason," he said.  

Paswan said Kashmir needed special government focus owing to its lack of train connectivity, industry and employment opportunities. "There are geographical challenges to be overcome but there will be a way," he said, regarding setting up of the SAIL plant.