Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday cleared investments worth Rs 44,241 crore for 10 industrial projects across eight districts, with the potential to create 8,765 jobs. Renewable energy and semiconductor proposals dominated the approvals granted at the 44th meeting of the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA).In a major boost to Odisha’s semiconductor ambitions, ASP Semicon Private Ltd will set up a semiconductor memory chip modules plant in Khurda at an investment of Rs 4,620 crore, generating 2,500 jobs. In the rare earths segment, Magnova Private Ltd proposed a Rs 1,050 crore investment in Khurda to establish an integrated high-performance magnet manufacturing facility, furthering Odisha’s presence in specialised advanced materials.Bharat Forge Ltd has committed Rs 3,000 crore to set up an automotive, aerospace and defence components manufacturing unit in Dhenkanal. The plant is expected to create 1,000 jobs and position the state as a destination for high-precision engineering.NCL Industries Ltd plans to invest Rs 2,000 crore in Koraput, while Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd will set up an integrated cement plant in Malkangiri with an identical Rs 2,000 crore outlay. Together, the projects will generate about 2,000 jobs and accelerate industrial growth in southern Odisha.A significant highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on renewable energy infrastructure. Four large pumped-storage hydropower projects received approval. They include Adani Hydro Energy Twelve Ltd (Rs 9,731.47 crore in Nayagarh), Sangamam CD Hydro Consortium (Rs 9,000 crore in Koraput), Greenko OR01 IREP Pvt Ltd (Rs 7,506.94 crore in Kalahandi) and Jindal Green PSP Two Pvt Ltd (Rs 3,711.56 crore in Deogarh).In telecom infrastructure, Shreetech Data Limited-CLS will invest Rs 1,622 crore to establish a cable landing station in Puri, positioning Odisha as a strategic digital gateway on the eastern coast.Emphasising speed and execution, the CM said Odisha must move with “strategic clarity” to tap emerging global opportunities, strengthen ease of doing business and ensure timely grounding of approved projects through coordinated action.
