Koraput Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka has tweeted CM Naveen Patnaik urging him to ensure a complete shutdown the industries in Rayagada district, part of his constituency, to contain further spread of COVID-19. He has also asked the authorities to expedite spending of District Mineral Fund (DMF) for the cause.
Notably, in exercising the powers conferred by the Health & Family Welfare Department, district Collector PK Behera has allowed industries like Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL), JK Paper Mills (JKPM), IMFA, Fimakem India to operate their plants.
Many other prominent persons have supported Ulaka’s suggestion for closure of industries. Senior scribe Bijaya Mishra said, “Take the case of UAIL. As hundreds of huge trucks and bulkers with containers carrying coal, lime, caustic acid, FO, etc., from neighbouring States everyday are getting into Rayagada, we are apprehensive.”
Former Principal of Rayagada Autonomous College Dr K Salvaraju said, “The plants need to completely shut down. If the Indian Railways can be closed down then why not UAIL, Vedanta, JK & IMFA?”
