 |
| Revitalizing Chhattisgarh Aluminium Industry- A Path to Economic Growth |
The Chhattisgarh state government, under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party, has unveiled plans to rejuvenate the aluminium manufacturing sector in Korba district. Spanning over 140 hectares of land, this initiative aims to foster the growth of small-scale aluminium product industries, leveraging the presence of the state-owned major aluminium producer, Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO).
In collaboration with BALCO, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, the government has forged an agreement to supply raw aluminium to small-scale industries at subsidized rates. Previous attempts to establish similar aluminium clusters in 2015 and 2021 faced execution delays after initial land identification. However, fresh impetus has been injected into the project by Korba's newly elected legislator, Lakhanlal Dewangan. With a budget allocation earmarked for 2024-25, the government is committed to expediting necessary processes and site development.
The envisioned venture holds the promise of significant industrial growth, job creation, and revenue generation for Chhattisgarh. By fostering the entire aluminium goods production value chain, including utensils, wires, foils, and automobile parts, within Korba, the initiative aims to empower smaller entrepreneurs.
At the heart of this initiative lies the strategic leveraging of BALCO's resources and linkages. As a central public sector unit (CPSU) until its acquisition by Vedanta Resources in 2001, BALCO boasts the country's largest aluminium smelter facility in Korba, producing 5.7 lakh tonnes annually. The potential to supply aluminium at discounted prices for supporting smaller manufacturers remains a key attraction.
BALCO's contributions to technological advancements in the aluminium industry are noteworthy. The development of special aluminium alloys for missiles such as Agni and Prithvi underscores its pioneering role. Additionally, BALCO was the first in the Indian Aluminium Industry to produce Alloy Rods used in power transmission lines.
Despite its achievements, safety concerns have plagued BALCO, as evidenced by the tragic incident in 2009 when a chimney under construction collapsed, resulting in the loss of 49 lives.
In conclusion, the revitalization of Chhattisgarh's aluminium industry holds immense potential for driving economic growth and fostering entrepreneurship. By harnessing BALCO's expertise and resources, coupled with governmental support, this initiative could herald a new era of prosperity for the region.