Nitin Namdev, Raipur. The operators of steel and sponge iron factories in Chhattisgarh are going to protest on a large scale against the increased electricity rates. In this regard, the Chhattisgarh Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association has decided to shut down the plant from 12 midnight on July 29. Also read: Power Center: ‘Whose government?’…’hugs’…’fine’…’poor MLA’…’letter’…’appointment’…- Ashish Tiwari

Anil Nachrani, President of Chhattisgarh Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association, told Lalluram.com in a discussion that in the first phase, CSPDCL based mini steel industry will be closed. After this, the association has decided to close 500 industries of the state. If all these industries are closed, then definitely a big problem is going to arise in Chhattisgarh.

Nachrani, while explaining the reason for shutting down the industries, said that electricity rates have been increased by 25 percent from June 1. In this regard, we had met the CM, Deputy CM, Industry Minister, Finance Minister. We have told everyone that this is a huge increase, due to which the industries will not be able to survive. We told that right now we are facing a loss of Rs 4000 per ton.

He said that if the government withdraws the increased electricity rates, we will not shut down the industries. But if it does not withdraw it, we will be forced to shut down all the industries in the state, which will result in huge loss of employment for the people and revenue for the state government.