What Actions Will Jharkhand CM Take After Pollution Video from Ramgarh Steel Factory?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Hemant Soren takes action against pollution.
- A viral video raises public awareness.
- Investigation into environmental compliance initiated.
- Local communities express concerns over air quality.
- Historical issues of industrial pollution persist in the region.
Ranchi, Dec 23 (NationPress) Jharkhand's Chief Minister Hemant Soren has responded promptly to concerns regarding environmental pollution attributed to a steel manufacturing facility in the Ramgarh district. He has instructed the local administration to initiate swift measures.
The Chief Minister's call to action followed the emergence of a video on social media, allegedly depicting significant air pollution linked to a steel plant operated by a private entity.
The footage was captured by a local resident, Surendra, who reported that the factory was releasing excessive amounts of ash and dust, impacting nearby regions.
The video gained traction after being shared on the platform ‘X’ by the user Ashok Danoda, attracting considerable public attention.
Taking suo motu notice of the situation, Chief Minister Hemant Soren reposted the video, labeling the environmental conditions as “completely unacceptable.”
He has tasked the Deputy Commissioner of Ramgarh with the responsibility of investigating the claims, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing a comprehensive report to the government.
In the video, Surendra highlights the surrounding vegetation and open areas adjacent to the factory, covered in a thick layer of ash.
He illustrates how fine particles disperse into the atmosphere, allegedly affecting agricultural fields and forested regions nearby.
The social media commentary sarcastically noted that the steel plant was not only manufacturing steel but also supplying “fertilizer” in the form of ash and dust to local fields and forests.
Officials have stated that the district administration is now mobilized to determine whether environmental regulations and pollution control measures are being breached.
Ramgarh district has previously faced numerous accusations against industrial facilities for causing air and environmental pollution while neglecting established safety protocols. Reports of labor exploitation have also surfaced in some local factories.
Furthermore, there are claims regarding illegal coal mining operations thriving in areas of Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, and Bokaro districts, allegedly fueled by demand from neighboring industrial plants.
It is reported that coal extracted unlawfully from forests and other regions is being transported to factories using heavy machinery, including JCBs.