Paradip Community Welcomes JSW Steel Project for Economic Growth

The coastal town of Paradip in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district is witnessing a significant shift in community sentiment towards industrial development. Residents who once opposed large-scale projects, particularly the ₹52,000-crore Posco Steel initiative, are now expressing strong support for the new ₹65,000-crore JSW Utkal Steel project. This change was evident during a recent community gathering where thousands of participants, including a notable number of women, voiced their backing for the initiative.

The JSW Steel complex, set to have a production capacity of 13.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), will be accompanied by a captive power plant, dedicated jetties, and necessary infrastructure. This development spans across the villages of Dhinkia, Nuagaon, and Gadakujanga, which have historically relied on betel vine cultivation and subsistence agriculture. The shift towards industrialization is seen as a pathway to sustainable economic prosperity, especially in light of rising unemployment and migration issues affecting local youth.

Community Transformation Through Industrialization

Ranjan Bardhan, a local leader from Gobindpur village, highlighted the transformative potential of the JSW project. “At long last, people here see hope for lasting change. The establishment of JSW’s steel plant will not only drive economic growth but also generate jobs and strengthen our human resources,” he stated during a press conference held in Dhinkia Gram Panchayat. Bardhan emphasized that JSW’s initiatives in education, skills training, and employment have become vital for the community.

The enthusiasm for the project is echoed by residents like Sisira Mohapatra, a septuagenarian from Dhinkia. He remarked, “JSW has been consistently investing in education, health, agriculture, transport, employment generation, women empowerment, environmental protection, and technological advancement. The company is working closely with village committees and residents to ensure inclusive growth.”

Young residents are also experiencing profound changes. Minati Dalai, who works as a security guard at the JSW Steel complex, shared her personal journey. “I was sitting idle at home earlier, but now I’m able to support my family. Our village, which once struggled with poor connectivity, now has proper roads and other facilities that make life far more comfortable,” she explained.

Empowerment Initiatives Driving Local Support

Prabhat Rout, another local from Patana village, discussed the various livelihood interventions introduced by JSW. These programs include training in paddy cultivation, seed and fertilizer support, livestock and horticulture development, as well as women’s empowerment through activities such as mushroom cultivation, tailoring, and spice processing. “These initiatives have helped families enhance their incomes and become self-reliant,” he noted.

The shift in Paradip’s industrial landscape marks a notable change in the community’s approach towards development. As these residents embrace the JSW Steel project, the focus on creating jobs and enhancing living conditions signals a new chapter for the region, moving from traditional agricultural practices to a more modern industrial economy.