Positive Dialogue Between Villagers and Archin Chemical at Kapurashi Public Hearing

🫂Public Hearing on Environmental Impact of Archin Chemical Industries at Kapurashi વિલલાગે

Positive Response from Company on Local and Divyang (Differently-Abled) Welfare Issues
Lakhpat (Kutch) | October 7, 2025
A public hearing was organized at Kapurashi village by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) – Regional Office, Kutch West, regarding the proposed 7 MMTPA Captive Salt Jetty and related infrastructure project by M/s Archin Chemical Industries Ltd. (ACIL).
The objective of the hearing was to inform the local community about the potential environmental impact of the project and to receive suggestions, feedback, and concerns from stakeholders.

🔹 Attendance and Key Officials
The hearing was attended by several senior officials and local representatives, including:
Deputy Collector, Nakhatrana: Shri Utkarsh Ujjwal (IAS)
Representative, GPCB: Shri Chovhan Saheb
Naib Collector: Shri Shivjibhai
Mamlatdar: Shri Navin Chandra Maru Saheb
Taluka Representative: Shri Jasubha Jadeja
Taluka Vice President: Shri Rajubhai Sardar
P.C. Gadhvi (Congress Leader)
Narayan Sarovar PI Madam
Many taluka leaders, youth representatives, and villagers were also present in large numbers.
The hearing began with a welcome by P.C. Gadhvi, who greeted the company representatives and expressed appreciation for their positive commitment toward local employment, self-employment, and community development.

🔹 Representations by Local Leaders and Villagers
Jasubha Jadeja (Taluka Representative) raised concerns regarding the invitation process and highlighted key issues such as road routes, electricity supply, employment, education, and healthcare facilities.
The Farmers & Cattle Breeders Committee (President: Sodha Bhanubha Mahobatsinh) emphasized the presence of nearly 500 Kankrej breed cows in the village and requested that grazing land, ponds, and water sources remain unaffected. They also demanded fodder and water support under CSR initiatives.
Village Sarpanch, Kanak Singh, and Taluka Vice President Rajubhai Sardar praised the company’s responsible approach and welcomed its contribution toward local development.

🔹 Divyang (Differently-Abled) Welfare Focus
Adam Notiyar, President – Divyang Support Center (Lakhpat), presented key points related to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Acts of 1995 and 2016, stressing the importance of awareness about pensions, ST passes, insurance, and livelihood opportunities.
He requested the company to include Divyang welfare under CSR, ensure employment and self-employment programs, and appoint a dedicated Divyang representative.
The company accepted these proposals sensitively and committed in writing to implement Divyang-focused welfare initiatives under CSR.
More than 900 differently-abled persons from the area welcomed the company’s initiative.

🔹 Livestock, Environment, and Wildlife Protection
The company assured support for fodder centers and livestock assistance under its CSR program. It also promised to preserve the only remaining wildlife corridor in the region by maintaining a dedicated wildlife passage during project execution.

🔹 Water and Fishermen Concerns
Jabar Dan Gadhvi raised issues regarding water flow toward the village, possible salinity increase in farmlands, and its impact on nearly 2,000 fishermen and 17 fishing boats.
The company responded positively and assured that the matter would be addressed in consultation with the local committee.

🔹 Conclusion
The public hearing concluded peacefully.
The company expressed a strong commitment toward village development, local employment, livestock welfare, environmental protection, and Divyang empowerment.
Villagers actively participated and voiced their concerns confidently.
Company representatives — Shri Pankaj Zala, Shri Sangram Kadam, and Ms. Amita Rathod — responded positively to every issue raised.

Reporter: 🖋️
Adam Notiyar
Lakhpat Taluka)
📞 Mo. 9979330250