Japan's tsunami to affect SAIL plant in Uttar Pradesh: Minister

Union minister of state for steel Beni Prasad Varma today said that tsunami in Japan would also affect country's first gas-based steel plant being set up by Steel Authority of India in Jagdishpur.

"Work on the plant will start after some time as it is to be set up with the cooperation of Kobo Steel of Japan, which has been hit by tsunami yesterday," Varma said.

He said that application has been moved for gas supply to the plant and a letter would be send to the prime minister requesting to expedite the process.

"The plant is being set up with a cost of Rs5,000 crore and the work will be completed in three years," he said.

The minister said that modern steel, which is as of now being imported, would be manufactured at the plant.

He said that the plant would provide employment to 4,000 youths and priority would be given to local residents, whose land has been acquired for the project.

"The ministry will set up an ITI (industrial training institute), besides a central school and hospital here," he added.

The minister targetted the Mayawati government, saying it was mentally harassing the people and also accused SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav of indulging into corruption.

"Only Congress, which has a clean image, can give a good government in the state," he said.