Bokaro Steel Plant was conceptualized in 1965 with the assistance of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and started its operation in 1972. Proximity to iron ore and coal blocks had made the place a favorable site for the steel plant. Now, the plant is a public sector undertaking under Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). An up gradation of the plant was also done in 1990’s in its steel refining units and Continuous Casting Machines. The plant has recently taken expansion plan along with Korean Steel Company, Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO)[1] Initially, about 64 moujas (a mouja may have several village units) had been acquired for the plant. Of the total land acquired, only 7,765 ha was used to set up the steel plant. The rest has been given by SAIL to the private parties without government’s approval. Among the total acquired land, about 49 villagers had raised their objections regarding the acquired land and the compensation amount. Also, the others who had taken compensation are not happy with the compensation amount and rehabilitation packages. Beside the issue of compensation, villagers have the objection because of the pollution caused by the plant. They are also organizing protest against the expansion of the plant [2].

The plant is the fourth integrated plant in the Public Sector under Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). It was the first steel plant built with the indigenous technology. The plant was modernized in 1990’s [1].