The Micro Pellet Plant, the first of its kind in SAIL, has been established on a Construct, Operate and Maintain (COM) basis by M/s Shri Jagannath Steels & Power Ltd. The project has been set up with the objective of converting waste fines generated during the steelmaking process into value-added micro pellets for use in RSP’s sinter plants, thereby promoting circular economy and environmental sustainability and was commissioned ahead of targeted schedule.

Notably, the plant will process waste fines such as SMS and Blast Furnace sludges, ESP and bag filter dust, and other micron-sized iron-bearing materials that have accumulated over the years. Through a specialized agglomeration process, these materials will be converted into micro pellets of 1–6 mm size, making them suitable for utilization in the sinter making process.

The commissioning of the facility marks a major milestone in RSP’s journey towards cleaner, greener and more sustainable operations. Besides mitigating environmental concerns associated with waste disposal, the plant will enable recovery and reuse of valuable constituents such as iron (Fe), calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO), thereby reducing raw material consumption and enhancing overall process efficiency.

The Centre for Engineering & Technology (CET), Ranchi, served as the consultant for the project.

As part of its commitment to promoting quality education, construction of two additional classrooms at Barkani Primary School in Bisra Block is progressing steadily. Community Centres are being constructed at Birwal in Lathikata Block and at Kadamtola, Udusu in Bisra Block. During the quarter, a newly constructed Community Centre at Santospur in Bisra Block was inaugurated, creating a dedicated space for community gatherings, awareness programmes and social activities.

Borewells were successfully installed and commissioned at Lindra, Kadobahal and Jaidega villages, ensuring a reliable source of potable water for local residents.

Simultaneously, development works at Model Steel Villages (MSV) Centres at Baniguni and Chikatamati Health Centre are progressing, aimed at strengthening skill development and community welfare initiatives.

Development and strengthening of durable community assets and improving essential civic infrastructure in the region would help bringing about inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The department carried out extensive modification of LT power supply systems and service lines in Sector-22 residential quarters and laid copper power cables at the Tarapur Filter House and Booster Pump House to ensure smooth operation of motors. Several critical power distribution projects were also completed, including revival and commissioning of the Feeder-7 overhead line from Brahmani Water Works to Sector-8 substations, bus-bar modification at the Sector-17 Attending Substation, replacement and jointing of high-capacity underground cables and modification of Feeder-7 and Feeder-9 networks.

One of the major achievements during the year was the restoration of the 11 KV emergency power line from the Plant to the CISF Colony and CISF Barracks after nearly ten years, considerably enhancing emergency power reliability. The Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) of Transformer-5 was also upgraded by replacing the Siemens make equipment with ABB make and successfully commissioned.

To further improve the reliability of the electrical network, the department overhauled three power transformers and 26 distribution transformers. In addition, repairs were carried out on three 630 KVA, five 500 KVA and five 250 KVA transformers installed across the Steel Township. Maintenance work, including repair and circuit modification of the crane main contactor at Intake Well-1, was also completed successfully.

In line with RSP’s sustainability initiatives, the department installed a 3 KW standalone solar power system at Lagoon Gate along with LT cable connectivity from Tarakera Pump House. It also installed 46 solar street lights at various locations in the peripheral and slum areas of Rourkela, promoting clean energy while improving public safety.

Through these initiatives, the Electrical Section has strengthened the township’s power infrastructure, enhanced system reliability, ensured uninterrupted power supply and advanced the use of renewable energy.

The event commences with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr. Jayant Kumar Acharya, Chief Medical Officer (I/c), in the presence of Dr. Megharay Majhi, Additional Chief Medical Officer and Dr. P.K. Mohapatra, President, IMA–IGH Branch. Dr. Acharya delivered the keynote address on this year’s theme, “Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?”, underlining the importance of supporting healthcare professionals’ physical and mental well being while acknowledging their dedication and compassion.

A special felicitation of Dr. Rajyabardhan Pattnaik, former Head of the Intensive Care Unit and senior Anesthetist of IGH, was organized for his distinguished service and outstanding contribution to Critical Care Medicine.

The programme concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Megharay Majhi. The event was organised under the guidance of Dr. P.K. Mohapatra, President, IMA–IGH Branch, with active support from Dr. J.R. Sahoo, Chief Consultant, IGH and Dr. C.K. Kasi, Additional Chief Medical Officer, IGH. The proceedings were compeered by Dr. Snehal Parve.

On the first day pulse polio was administered at different booths set up in the steel township. In IGH alone, 297 children were administered the polio vaccine. Subsequently the door to door campaign is going on in the township to ensure 100 percent vaccination of children in the age group 0 -5 years living in the township.

During the year 2025-26, the Oxygen Plant achieved substantial revenue generation through the sale of liquid gases to outside agencies. A total of 712 tons of Liquid Argon was sold, generating revenue of Rs. 3.62 crore. Additionally, the sale of 419 tons of Liquid Nitrogen earned Rs. 11.75 lakh.

In a significant technical accomplishment, the Wet Air Inlet Valve of Molecular Sieve Bed-A in ASU-III was replaced for the first time using in-house resources ensuring quicker turnaround time for critical maintenance.

The Oxygen Plant played a key role in facilitating the commissioning of Caster-4 at SMS-II, by successfully executing interconnection jobs for supply lines of essential gases and utilities. Interconnections were established for Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon, Propane and Compressed Air, ensuring seamless integration and readiness of the new caster unit.

Strengthening statutory compliance and safety preparedness, the Oxygen Plant achieved another landmark by obtaining three Fire Safety Certificates from the Odisha Fire Services for the first time. The certifications were secured for Propane Plant-2, Propane Plant-3 and ASU-I, ASU-II & ASU-III, reflecting the department’s proactive approach towards safety systems and regulatory adherence.

Oxygen and other industrial gases form the lifeline of modern steelmaking, playing a crucial role in converters, continuous casting, cutting operations and various utility services. With its impressive performance in revenue generation, technical maintenance excellence, strategic project facilitation and safety certification, the Oxygen Plant of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant has made a strong contribution towards improved efficiency and sustainable operations during FY 2025-26.

In his address, Mr. Jojo appreciated the efforts of the Sports Section and the coaches for nurturing young talents through systematic training and guidance. He encouraged the participants to continue practising with dedication, discipline and sportsmanship to bring laurels to the state and the nation in future and lead a healthy lifestyle.

The valedictory function witnessed an impressive display of skills and discipline by the young trainees, who presented demonstrations in various sporting events conducted during the camp. Thereafter, the chief guest distributed token awards to the coaches and their teams.

At the end of the function The Chief Guest lowered the Sports flag to mark the closure of the 39^th Summer Coaching Camp-2026.

Earlier Mr. J P Mishra welcomed the gathering and presented a brief about the camp. Mr. Anil Mallick from Silicon Steel Mill anchored the event. Mr. R.N.Padhi, Deputy Manager, Sports proposed a formal vote of thanks and coordinated the programme with support from the Sports Department Collective.

It is worth mentioning here that the Summer Coaching camp which was inaugurated on 5^th May. More than 1200 students from Rourkela as well as nearby places were trained by expert coaches in various disciplines of sports.

The Summer Coaching Camp that started in the year 1986 with limited participation in different disciplines has grown in both size and stature. It has produced numerous sports persons of national and international repute in the past and is continuing to bring to the limelight many budding sports stars.

Mr. Sahoo clinched the Gold medal in the 100-metre freestyle event by clocking 1.31 minutes, secured the Silver medal in the 50-metre backstroke event with a timing of 48.01seconds, and bagged Bronze in 50-metre Freestyle clocking 37.94 seconds.

The outstanding feat not only reflects his determination and dedication but also stands as a shining example of courage and resilience.

The remarkable enhancement in converter lining life was made possible through stringent process control, scientific refractory management practices, and consistent adherence to standard operating procedures during converter operations. The achievement highlights the operational excellence, technical competence, and dedicated teamwork of the entire SMS-II collective, including the operating crew, blowers, lance operators, and shift personnel.

Several key operational initiatives contributed significantly to this achievement, including optimized blowing practices, effective utilization of laser scanner technology, improved slag regime management, accurate end-point control, and timely gunning and patching of the refractory lining. Continuous monitoring of thermal load, bath agitation, and slag chemistry by the Area In-charge and Shift In-charges, along with disciplined control over hot metal and scrap quality, played a crucial role in minimizing localized wear and extending the converter campaign life.

The achievement also reflects the close coordination and collective efforts of the Refractory eng.dept and Operations,, Mechanical Maintenance, Electrical Maintenance of SMS-II and RCL teams, which ensured stable and consistent converter performance throughout the campaign period. The accomplishment was achieved under the overall guidance of Mr. S. S. Panda, CGM (Flux and Refractories) and Mr. M. G. Srikanth, CGM (SMS-II).

The converter lining life achieved significantly exceeded the guaranteed lining life of 6,000 heats, resulted in an estimated direct savings of approximately ₹1.5 crores. The extended campaign life of Converter ‘B’ has also contributed towards enhanced converter availability, higher productivity, and overall cost optimization of SMS-II.

In addition, CCD has successfully dispatched 76,000 tonnes of Crude Coal Tar during the year, catering to diverse end-user industries and reinforcing its role in sustainable byproduct utilization.

Prioritizing a zero-harm workplace, the department implemented several safety measures to create a safe work place. A static dissipator system was installed at the benzol storage tank area to safely discharge static charges. For the first time benzol scrubber in a Zone-1 area underwent successful overhauling, strictly adhering to safety protocols.

To further strengthen the safe working culture, a CO monitoring system with control room alarm integration was installed in New CCD for continuous gas detection and early warnings. The department also commissioned the replacement of Sulphuric Acid Tank-3 (Site-C), boosting storage capacity and minimizing plant stoppages. Additionally, the dyke along with a spillage recycling system was reconstructed and operationalized, enhancing safety and environmental compliance.

These initiatives underscore CCD’s commitment to operational excellence, safety, and sustainability, setting a benchmark for by-product management in RSP.