Shishir KumarRanchi
Canada crowd is soon to get a intellectual shock that would let them think about the gray areas of industrialization – courtesy – “Loha Garam Hai” (Iron is Hot) a documentary film made by two renowned documentary makers of Jharkhand, that is to be screened at 9th ImagineNATIVE Film and Madia Festival at Toronto on Friday.
The film has been directed by Meghnath and Bijju Toppo of Akhra brand. “We are happy our film "Loha Garam Hai" ( Iron is hot) Directed by Biju Toppo & Meghnath , will be screened in the " 9th ImagineNATIVE Film and Madia Festival" ( 17th -19th Oct) in Toronto CANADA. This is an International Film Festival that presents the latest work on the issue of Indigenous People,” said Meghnath.
“Our film Iron is hot is on the issue of sponge iron industry and its effect on the people. It is to note that Biju Toppo is one of the first Indigenous film maker in the country who's film " Kora Rajee" has received an International Award Silver Conch in MIFF 2006,” he added.
Talking about the film Meghnath said that the film said that it raises the issue of the pollution caused by the sponge iron industry. “This industry is relatively new. Staring with 3 plants in 1985, it has rapidly multiplied to 206 plants in 2005 and very soon the number will be 430, unofficial this figure is still higher. These industries are mostly in Orissa, Chatisgarh , Jharkhand and W.Bengal and in small numbers in Goa, Maharastra and Karnataka,” he added.
The director said that the major problem is in the production process. “While in the rest of the world it is manufactured using gas base plant which is cleaner and most resource efficient technology, In India 80% of the sponge iron is produce with coal base plants which is extremely polluting and are graded in ‘Red category’ industry and can cause serious health hazards,” Meghnath claimed.
The film reveals some startling facts like a 100 TPD plant produces 250 tones of garbage every day. No pollution control board keeps any account where this garbage is disposed. They are dumped near agriculture field, by the side of highway or at the bank of rivers that then ultimately flows in the stream. The plants emit poisonous gas and heavy metals like cadmium, nickel, manganese that are harmful for human being. Due to soil and water pollution agricultural activities within the 5 km radius of sponge iron plants is seriously effect and there is drastic reduction of the agricultural yield. Cattle are eating the grasses and leaves cover with black dust get ill and die, and there is reduction in the milk production.
“The film captures how governmental machinery is tilted towards the industry. The administration organizes “Public hearing” where although over wellbeing majority oppose the construction of the plant, the government report shows “people have agreed’. The film documents the people effort to save their land and livelihood.” Meghnath informed.
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