Ranchi: A Jharkhand-based tribal body today said it would continue to oppose steel tycoon LN Mittal's project in the state.
"We will not allow any new steel company in Jharkhand.
They (industrialists) are out to destroy forest and fertility of agricultural land. Forty villages in Gumla and Khunti districts will be affected by the ArcelorMittal project," Adivasi Moolvasi Astitva Raksha Manch chief convener Dayamani Barla said here.
His statement came days after Mittal expressed disappointment over delay in his proposed steel projects in India.
On June 19 in New York, the CEO of world's largest steel-maker ArcelorMittal had said, "There are understandable challenges in India relating to land acquisition and raw materials but nevertheless the government must find a way to overcome these road-blocks more swiftly."
Pointing out that of the 104 MoUs the Jharkhand government had signed, 98 were with steel companies, Barla said, "The state government talks of sustainable development.
What type of sustainable development does it want? Setting up steel mills in every village?"
Reacting to reports quoting Mittal that it would take five to 10 more years for progress in his company's India plans, Barla asked, "Does it mean they will set up factories after 10 years without destroying the environment?"
Asked how development can take place without industrialisation, she questioned, "How development took place before signing MoUs?"
ArcelorMittal had signed the MoU with Jharkhand in 2005.
According to ASSOCHAM, the project could generate employment for 5,500 people directly and 20,000 indirectly.
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