Mail News Service
Ghatsila, May 30: A wave of hope swept through the town of Maubhandar as local residents and employees of Hindustan Copper Limited’s (HCL) Indian Copper Complex (ICC) Smelter Plant warmly honoured MP Bidyut Baran Mahato for his continued efforts to revive the defunct Maubhandar unit.
On Friday, dozens of permanent and temporary ICC workers, along with local residents, welcomed MP Mahato and his representative Dinesh Saw at the Director’s Bungalow in Maubhandar with bouquets and shawls. The gathering expressed gratitude for the MP’s persistent advocacy to reopen the plant, closed since December 2019, which had led to a surge in unemployment and disrupted the local economy.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for restarting the plant is currently being prepared by M/s Mecon, under HCL’s direction, a move credited to Mahato’s efforts. People also acknowledged his role in restarting the Surda mines and advancing progress on reopening Kendadih and Rakha Copper mines. MP Mahato reaffirmed his commitment to job creation and preventing migration by reviving other nearby mines such as Badiya, Banalopa, and Kishangarhia.
He further informed that discussions had taken place with Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who had assured necessary support. Mahato added that he was willing to lead a delegation of workers to Delhi if required.
Present at the event were MP representative Dinesh Saw, Panchayat Samiti member Vijay Pandey, Mazdoor Sangh President Hareshwar Singh, General Secretary Dharmendra Singh, Mahavir Club VP Munib Sharma, and other community leaders.
