Durgapur: Amid ongoing construction work of the 800 MW fifth unit of DVC DTPS, the Chairman of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), S. Suresh Kumar, laid the foundation stone of the company’s hospital at the Raturia–Angatpur area on Wednesday. DVC is planning an investment of around Rs 8,000 crore in Durgapur.
The chairman was warmly welcomed by local villagers with conch shell sounds and sandalwood tilak. At the same time, residents demanded that the pace of the project work be increased so that development in the area can take place at the earliest.
It may be recalled that tension had erupted five days ago in the Arjunpur–Tetultala area over resistance to eviction. Addressing the issue, DVC Chairman S. Suresh Kumar said he was pleased with the warm reception given by the villagers and assured that the project work would be accelerated to ensure its early completion.
On the eviction issue, he stated that the land in question belongs to DVC but has been encroached upon. He claimed that those creating obstacles are not local residents and that such resistance is hampering industrial progress. He added that it appears they have certain demands. He also mentioned that several works have already been completed and that the foundation stone for the hospital was laid on the day.
Notably, the foundation stone was laid in Arjunpur area under Ward No. 37 of Durgapur Municipal Corporation.
DVC is setting up an 800 MW supercritical thermal power plant in Durgapur. Necessary land has already been acquired and boundary walls constructed. The corporation has also announced plans to develop additional infrastructure for its employees and nearby villagers, including a post office, bank, school, market, and other facilities.