YSRCP neglected VSP: Kollu

Minister for Mines, Geology, and Excise, Kollu Ravindra, has sharply criticised the previous YSRCP government for its alleged neglect of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). During a visit to the plant on Wednesday, the Minister expressed serious concerns over the plant’s diminished operational capacity, attributing it to minor but critical issues that were overlooked during YSRCP’s tenure.
“The YSRCP government has failed to renew even some of the crucial mines that were supposed to be renewed under its tenure,” Ravindra stated. He highlighted the administration’s lapses that have significantly contributed to the plant’s current struggles.
However, the Minister assured that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is fully committed to protecting VSP and is actively engaging with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy to find viable solutions and secure the plant’s future.
Minister Ravindra emphasised the importance of VSP to the State, saying, “The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is the pride of Andhra Pradesh. It came into existence through immense sacrifice, and it is our duty to protect it at all costs.”
 He pointed out that the State government is currently supporting the plant by facilitating the supply of sand and other essential raw materials from Vizianagaram district. Suggesting a strategic move to boost the plant’s operations, Ravindra opined that if the State government fully utilises the steel manufactured by VSP for its infrastructure projects and housing schemes, it will be a substantial support for the plant.
Amidst these discussions, trade union leaders approached the Minister, urging him to intervene in clearing the plant’s pending power bills and other overdue payments. Minister Ravindra assured them that their concerns will be taken seriously and reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the interests of VSP and its workforce. “The neglect of such a vital asset is unacceptable, and we will take every necessary step to ensure that VSP not only survives but thrives,” he concluded.