Bokaro, October 17: Production at Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) came to a standstill on Saturday following the blockade of all entry gates by an agitating group of displaced persons, disrupting the movement of employees and workers and raising concerns over operational continuity, induostrial safety and mounting financial losses.
According to the plant’s production report available around 2.30 pm on October 17, major production units, including the blast furnaces, Sinter Plant and Steel Melting Shops (SMS-I and SMS-II), had halted operations. The disruption is estimated to cause a financial loss of approximately ₹30 crore per day to the steel plant.
The prolonged blockade has also raised concerns over the management of the plant’s sensitive industrial systems. As a major integrated steel facility, BSL requires continuous technical monitoring of systems involving high temperatures, molten metal and industrial gases. Its extensive network of industrial gas pipelines requires round-the-clock surveillance and strict adherence to prescribed safety protocols.
According to the management, employees have remained stranded inside the plant premises for more than 18 hours, facing difficulties in accessing basic necessities, including food and drinking water. Despite the prolonged disruption and physical strain, personnel continue to discharge essential responsibilities while adhering to safety norms.
The management has stated that no gas leak or industrial accident has been confirmed so far. However, it has expressed concern that continued disruption of normal operations could make it increasingly difficult to maintain routine operational arrangements and ensure uninterrupted monitoring of critical industrial systems.
BSL and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) management have appealed to the state administration to intervene and facilitate the reopening of the gates on Saturday night to restore normal movement and safeguard the plant’s operations.
Emphasising SAIL’s commitment to the surrounding community, the management said the company remained committed to supporting society within the permissible framework. It also sought the administration’s assistance in addressing the serious law-and-order situation, warning that the continuing blockade could expose the strategically important industrial unit to significant operational and safety risks.
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