Chhattisgarh State PCS

• 24 Feb 2024

Chhattisgarh to Revive Aluminium Park Project in Korba

Why in News?

The Chhattisgarh government has decided to revive an aluminum park proposal originally mooted in 2021 to promote small-scale industries in Korba.

Key Points

• The State government had entered an agreement with Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited to supply raw aluminum to small-scale industries at a subsidised rate.
• The district administration identifies Rukhbahari village land for the project near BALCO township and even held a gram sabha to take the consent of villagers for the project.
• An initial provision of Rs 5 crore has been made in the budget proposal of the industry department for the financial year 2024-25 to meet the demand of Aluminum Park in Korba district.

Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (BALCO)

• BALCO was incorporated in 1965 as the first Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) in India and since then it has been closely associated with the Indian Industrial Growth, in a pivotal role.
• In 2001, Government of India disinvested 51% shares of Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) to Sterlite Industries Limited a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited.
• BALCO is playing a crucial role in introducing Aluminium as a potential alternative to other metals like Steel in construction, and Copper in the power transmission industry.
• Major operations of BALCO are in the town of Korba (Chhattisgarh), whereas its mines supplying high grade Bauxite are situated at Kawardha and Mainpat.