Indian born Anil Agarwal is the non Executive Chairman of Bharat Aluminum Company Limited (Balco) is set to become the largest aluminium producer in the world from a single location as it signed a pact with the Chhattisgarh government to set up a new smelter plant with an investment of Rs 80 billion ($ 2 billion).  The proposed plant with a capacity of 6,50,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) is under construction at its existing complex in Korba district, that will take the company's total aluminum output from 1,35,000 tpa to 1 million tpa - making it the largest aluminium producer in the world from a single location.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) P. Joy Oommen on behalf of the Chhattisgarh government and Balco's chief executive officer Pramod Suri, in presence of Chief Minister Raman Singh and Vedanta chairman Anil Agrawal and few others at a function at Raipur on October 7, 2006 for a coal based 1,200 MW power plant —having four units of 300 MW each, at an investment of Rs 5,000 Crores.

It was stated by the company official that they estimate the complete construction of power plant within 40 months, once all the regulatory and statutory approvals are received. It was also stated that the aim is to commission the power plant by the time its smelter plants are ready for production, in order to support the expansion process of setting up a 3.5 lakh MT per annum aluminum smelter plant at its site in Korba to take the total production capacity to 9 lakh MT per annum by 2011.

BALCO awarded the contract for the construction of the 3 x 400 = 1,200 MW power plant to a Chinese firm which is known as Shandong Electric Power Construction Corporation (SEPCO),— which, in turn, sub-contracted the work of construction of 275 meter high two chimneys to New Delhi based Indian company known as Gannon Dunkerley & Company Limited (GDCL).

Contrary to the company statement after signing the MoU with the state government of Chhattisgarh, even without possessing the land or obtaining the required permission from the local municipal corporation, the company started construction of the power plant on the encroached land, which is owned by the state forest department. While Chinese engineers and other staff were engaged in construction of power plant's boiler and other constructions, they also supervised the construction of the Chimney that was being done by GDCL.

In May-June 2005, the Minister of Revenue, Nanki Ram Kanwar a resident of Korba and a local MLA ordered an enquiry based on reports of encroachment of around 1,000 acres of land by BALCO. On February 17, 2005, an eleven-member committee headed by the Naib Tehsildar and supervised by the Superintendent of Land Records, submits its report. The report gives clear finds on BALCO having encroached 1,000 acres of land in complete violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The report also highlighted that about 50,000 trees have been cut by the BALCO management. This is where the expansion of the present plant of BALCO has taken place. Matter went to the High Court but much to the relief of Balco, files pertaining to the alleged encroached land is reportedly missing.

In the second week of February, 2009 Minister for Revenue, Government of Chhattisgarh, Amar Agrawal in his written reply to a question by Leader of Opposition Ravindra Choubey, stated in the Chhattisgarh State Assembly, that Bharat Aluminum Company Ltd had encroached 1,036.52 acres of government land in Korba. He also told the house "The state government had registered 10 cases against the company in Korba between June 17, 2005 and June 28, 2005 under various sections of the land revenue code," He also stated that BALCO had even started building chimneys and other structures for its proposed 1,200 MW thermal power plant at Korba on the encroached land.

"The company did not take permission from the Korba Municipal Corporation (KMC) for the second chimney and we had served notices for violating the norms," stated Lakhanlal Devangan, Mayor, Korba municipal Corporation (KMC). However, B.K.Srivastava, Chief of Corporate Communications do not agree to the same and stated to the press that "The construction was going on as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the state government and the company had all the necessary clearances,"

It is also important to note that just one week before the chimney collapsed, a notice was reportedly served by KMC to stop the work which BALCO ignored. Even a team of the KMC officials had reached the site and stopped the construction work before about a week of the collapse but BALCO allegedly started the work once again.

This exposes the fact that though BALCO is not even the owner of the land, has not even obtained the required mandatory permissions to construct the second 275 meter high chimney from the local municipal corporation, have ignored the notices. Even the stopped  work of the construction of Chimney by KMC authorities, BALCO went ahead with its construction plan immediately and the staff of the KMC went back. 

This illustrates beyond doubt that the motive of the BALCO is mischievous. Even when it was pointed out to them that the construction of Chimney is of substandard and without any permission, it also ignored the safety standards by going ahead with constructing a  giant Chimney of 275 meter high with diameter of 60 meter i.e. a vertical hollow structure of masonry, steel, or reinforced concrete, built to convey gaseous products of combustion from a building or process facility which caved in and collapsed after reaching a height of 253 meters, trapping many innocent workers within its cement concrete rubble on the afternoon of Wednesday, the September 23, 2009. The worst disaster of its type in the history of India had taken place at the encroached site.

What happened on the afternoon of September 23, 2009:

Wednesday, 23rd of September of 2009 was like any other day for the day shift workers engaged in the construction of the chimney. Most of those poor workers who worked hard day and night in shifts of 12 hours each for over 2 ½ (Two and half) months right from constructing from the Thirty five meters below the ground to a height of about 253 meters above the ground. They had no idea what so ever that what they are constructing their own grave in which they will be ultimately buried alive. Those poor workers that included many tribals, were hired from the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh by one P.N. Singh, who is the sub-contractor to GDCL.  Those poor labourers had come to Korba with dreams that they will earn enough money that could help them to support their families back home.  

It was raining heavily since afternoon; As such few others who were engaged in other works around the chimney had also taken shelter at the canteen and at three stores located closely to the base where the diameter of the chimney is 60 Meters. One hydra, a miller and three wrenches were also in operations. There were about 52 workers who were working at the top of 253 meters, few of whom had left just before five minutes. At that time about 180 persons were there in and near the base of the Chimney. All of a sudden, at about 3.40 PM, base of the chimney gave away. As per the eye witnesses, Chimney sunk in to the ground,soon within in few seconds chimney collapsed with huge sound split from one side burying many innocent workers within its rubble. Later, Korba police have registered a case on the charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and common intention — under Section 304, 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), against BALCO

Irresponsible Corporate Behaviors of BALCO and its contractor companies

In such a massive tragedy,  BALCO, its contractor Chinese company SEPCO and Indian company GDCL are expected to behave as responsible corporate citizens but instead, demonstrated how inhuman and irresponsible they can be. No one was available to tell or produce from official records to how many workers are trapped and their names etc.  Tempers of the workers present at the accident site were already high. Fuel to the fire was added when they saw the record room of GDCL near the collapsed chimney was destroyed.

Maoist rebels burnt a dumper and a road roller of a construction company in Simdega district of Jharkhand, police said Monday.

According to police, Maoist rebels set ablaze the dumper and roller of a construction company at Jaldega village of Simdega district, around 130 km from here, late Sunday night. The construction company was involved in road construction in Simdega district.

According to police officials, Maoist rebels torched the dumper and rollers after their levy demand was denied. The construction company had informed the police about the rebels' demand, but the company was not provided adequate security.

Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the 24 districts of Jharkhand. Nearly 1,550 people have been killed in Maoist-related violence in the last eight years.

September 28th, 2009 IANS

The missionaries on the one hand spread Christianity in this tribal region where early there were mainly nature worshipers and Hindus but on the other hand the missionary also helped in spreading the education with opening several Christian schools in remote areas. Being in the south Bihar now Jharkhand the language has been the sweet Nagpuri - whose offshoots are the now Sadri in many forms and adaptability. Other languages spoken by the local adivasi tribes are Mundari, Oraon, Kharia etc. This region is highly influenced by Oriya culture as this area was ruled by the Oriya Kings. From centuries the Kings of Biru invited Brahmin scholars from Orissa to this region & gradually these Oriya Brahmins settled in every corner of Biru Kingdom, even in present day in remote villages of this region one can trace these Oriya Brahmins families. The Biru Kings had donated acres of land & even villages & Zamindaris to them.

The place has also been so peace and quiet. The schools of this area along with other Jharkhand districts have produced some eminent hockey players from this area. The development of Simdega is crucial to the development of south Jharkhand. Being in the proximity to Rourkela, Orissa the region is bound to develop and cater to south Jharkhand tribal population Ranchi being away and busy hub as state capital. Ramrekha Dham is the most important tourist destination of this area. It is situated at a picturesque place on top of a hill and every year there is a big fair during Kartik Purnima. It is said, that Lord Rama along with Sita and brother Laxman has visited this place and has left his mark there.

This place was discovered and developed by the erstwhile Biru Royal-family. In recent times this holy place has been made popular by the presence of holy saint Sri Brahmachari Maharaj or Ramrekha Baba, who died recently, Shri Jayaram Prapanna also famous as "Ramrekha Baba". The idols of Ram and Krishna are present in this cave shrine temple. On the rocks outside there are footmarks of Ram and Sita, a Conch Shell (Shankh) which produces the sound ram-ram, Dhanush Kund (a small pond in the shape of a bow) on the rocks.

Famous Tourist Spots -

Kelaghagh dam 

Kelaghgh dam is the most beautiful dam on Chhinda River in Simdega. It is situated at a distance of 4 km from district headquarter. The lovely water dam is surrounded by multiple hills which attracts tourists very much. The district administration is providing the facility of motor boating and parasailing. There is a plateau in Kelaghagh dam where a small and beautiful park exists. At Kelaghagh dam the construction of hotel is going on where the tourists can avail the lodging and fooding facility. Simdega Notified area committee is making supply of drinking water to Simdega town from Kelaghagh dam.

Dangadi 

Dangadi is a lovely scenically place.  It is situated in block Bolba. A beautiful waterfall attracts the visitors .It is developed as picnic spot.

Ketunga Dham

Ketunga Dham situated   in Bano Block is very important historical place. The archaeological survey of India points out this place as the Land Of Buddha Period. At Ketunga Dham many statue of Buddha were found. It is said that King Ashoka (MOURYA EMPEROR) established these statues while returning to Patliputra after Kalinga war.

Rajadera

Rajadera is situated in Thethaitanger Block. There exists beautiful and small water falls on Chhinda river. The field of sand attracts everyone for a picnic.

Bhairo Baba Pahari

Bhairo Baba Pahari is a cave situated in Phulwatanger village of Simdega Block. The Cave looks like a living body.

Bhanwar Pahar

Bhanwar Pahar is in Kolebira Block. Here lots of Black bees (Bhanwara) found and it is said Bhanwar Pahar due to this. In ancient age these flies were used as the soldiers. It is very similar to Himachal Pradesh. Flowers of GULAITCHI on the small hill are nature's gift to villagers living in the small houses on the hill. A small Natural pond exists in between the stones on the hill. It is surprising to see the pond full of water in all seasons. Looking the ground from the top of the small hill is a great feeling. One can feel the natural air-conditioning system inside the cave on Bhanwar Pahaar.  

Mazar of Anjan Peer Saheeb

Mazar of Anjaam Peer Saheeb is inside the premise of Kolebira police station. This is a great symbol of harmony, Social Policing and perhaps a single example of Mazar inside a Police Station. Every Year Uras Mela is organised here and people of all community prays for peace.

Tingina

Tingina can be said the ASHOK VATIKA of Simdega. Here no other trees except Ashoka Tree exist. It is a great gift of nature to the villagers of Tingina in Jaldega Block.

BANDURGA

Bandurga is the holy place of Goddess of SHAKTI, DEVI DURGA and situated in Bolba Block. Here people come and pray to Devi Durga for their happiness. This place is also a natural picnic spot.

How to reach Simdega?

Simdega is located in the south-western part of the state of Jharkhand. As far as its border is concerned it is surrounded by Gumla district in the North, Khunti and West Singhbhum in the east, Chhattisgarh state in the west and Orissa state in the South.

By road Passenger buses and Non Stop buses run regularly from Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardaga, Sasaram and Rourkela (Orrisa).

By road ->

1.         Simdega to Ranchi - 170 km.

2.         Simdega to Gumla - 98 km.

3.         Simdega to Rourkela(Orissa) - 77 km.

By air ->

Nearby airports are Ranchi, Kolkata, Bhuvneshwar.

By rail ->

Railway facility is not enough in Simdega district. Only two blocks (Bano and Jaldega) of Simdega district are connected via railway line. Bokaro Allepy (Exp. Stops at Bano); Tapasvini (Exp. Stops at Bano) and Hatia Jharsuguda are the trains which passes though these stations. These blocks lies between the ranchi-rourkela rail route.

Separate incidents of Naxalite violence in Garhwa, Simdega and Chatra districts during the past 24 hours have left two dead and parts of a school, that was used a polling booth, damaged by explosives.

Two persons were beaten to death by CPI (Maoist) rebels under Bhandaria police station in Garhwa district's Banbar village last evening. According to Garhwa police superintendent Saket Singh, the rebels first asked one Paswar to provide them with a 9mm pistol. When he pleaded his inability to do so, he was beaten to death with lathis.

One Maqsood, too, was beaten to death in a similar way. A handbill left by the rebels at the spot stated that Maqsood used to extort money in the name of their party organisation and that he was also a rapist.

"Maqsood was a notorious criminal. He was released from jail about a month ago. But on what basis did the rebels demand a 9mm pistol from Paswar is rather intriguing. Both cases are being investigated," said Singh over phone.

In Chatra district, suspected Maoist rebels blew up two blocks of a middle school building in Kaura village under Pratapur police station. During the just concluded Lok Sabha elections, the police had put up camps in these buildings. Certain portions of Gumla, Simdega, Khunti, Ranchi, Latehar, Chatra and Palamau districts have been reeling from tension for the past few days, following the killing of two People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) activists in Gumla district in a police encounter.

The PLFI had given a bandh call yesterday, alleging that the encounter was fake.

The bandh evoked mixed response, but the PLFI have sent a handout calling for an indefinite bandh, "if the errant police officers were not taken to task soon". They have also demanded compensation for the aggrieved families.

Last month, five villagers were killed in Barhania village in Latehar district. Initially, the police claimed the victims were rebels, but "sustained efforts" by local villagers, coupled with Maoist-inspired bandhs, compelled Governor Syed Sibtey Razi to order a high-level inquiry.

Telegraph / 2009 May 24

Imagine a situation wherein around a dozen students, including three girls, are camping in a primary school located at a hill top with thick forests around and no provision of electricity or portable water. To make things more frightful vigilant eyes of naxals watching their every move.

No, we are not talking of a scene from a Hollywood thriller, but the first hand experience of postgraduate students of the department of anthropology, Allahabad University, who had gone on a 15-day field trip to Simdega district of Jharkhand — a naxal stronghold — where all terms of personal chores and public governance are dictated by the whims and fancies of Maoist guerrillas sitting snug in the thick forest cover around Ramrekha Dham of Simdega.

It is worth mentioning here that the students of MA final of anthropology, AU, undertake an excursion of fortnight for which they had chosen Ramrekha Dham of Simdega this time. Of the 18 students, nine went on the tour, which started on April 20. Prior to landing up at the site, the head had contacted the district collectorate and Simdega SP as the area is known to be dominated by naxals.

But it so happened that after landing at the Dham, the team was confronted with the inhospitable conditions wherein there was no electricity and water was filthy. Immediately after arriving (on April 21 ), the team was confronted with Jharkhand bandh which went on for the next four days. Since, the team had to stay at a school, which itself was not cleaned for years together and was located on a hill top with minimal amenities and the market on the foothills, the team was virtually trapped. Mobile being the only connection with the civilised world, which was charged through the solar panel installed at rooftop of the Dham, news of naxals blowing stations or police van made things worse for the students. On April 23 the Mahant, Haridwar Das, told, "Commander baba had come in the afternoon and inquired for you people but nothing to worry, yet no one can predict the nature of these men."

It was only on April 25, that the 'bandh' was called off and the team left the inhospitable place and continued their study at Banstoli village where they stayed for rest of the time before returning to AU on May 6.

"District collector and SP of Simdega who had assured us that there would be no problem with naxals. Had it not been the bandh, we would have shifted the same day of our arrival," said the HoD.