Jamshedpur, Oct. 9: Tata Steel would spend about Rs 8 crore to convert its slag dumping area in Jugsalai into an eco-park.
The proposal would likely be finalised by November-end. According to the Tata Steel environment department sources, the company had agreed to convert the slag dumping area into a park following a directive from the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB).
Slag dumping in the area had been stopped two years ago after a Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board directive that came in the wake of heavy air and water pollution caused by the slag.
Head of land, market and estate, K. Midha said the company has earmarked Rs 8 crore to convert the area into an eco-park.
“A proposal is being worked out in this connection which will be finalised by November,” he said.
According to Midha, negotiations are also on with a Bangalore-based firm that would be entrusted with the park construction. He said the park would help bring down the pollution level.
According to the proposal, the eco-park would include a wide variety of plants, both flowering and non-flowering,aquatic plants and animals, restaurants, kiosks selling confectionery and jogging tracks.
“We want to develop the slag dumping area into an attractive spot in the city with greenery, restaurants. We would like to provide a recreation area to visitors,” said Midha, adding that plantation work has begun in the area on World Environment Day on June 5.
Town division officials said the environment department of the company had surveyed the area along with architects of a Bangalore-based firm.
Officials said the Bangalore-based firm would be appointed for the project as it has the necessary expertise to develop parks and gardens.
The firm had helped several corporate houses in developing similar parks in other states. According to Midha, the construction work of the park is expected to begin next year.
“As the area lies along Kharkai river, it could also be a tourist attraction,” he said. The company has set 2007 as the deadline for the completion of the park.
