Bokaro: There has been a rapid increase in encroachments and unauthorised commercial activities on Bokaro Steel Plant’s (BSL) land in and around its township area. According to sources, thousands of such encroachment spots have been identified across different locations, prompting the steel plant to intensify efforts to protect its property and check the spread of unauthorised commercial activities.
“The role of some BSL officials, particularly from the Town Administration (TA) Department, security personnel and even a few local MLAs in facilitating or turning a blind eye to encroachments on BSL land in and around the township cannot be ruled out,” a senior official said on condition of anonymity.
Against this backdrop, BSL has now approached the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), seeking the identification and disconnection of electricity connections provided to commercial establishments, factories and other units allegedly operating on encroached BSL land.
The demand was made in a letter dated August 28, 2026, issued by BSL’s Town Administration Department to the Superintending Engineer of JBVNL’s Bokaro Electric Supply Division. Marked “Reminder No. 1”, the letter also refers to an earlier communication dated July 9, 2026.
Ritudih, Ukrid, Panarua and Pipratand in focus
BSL has specifically highlighted Ritudih, Ukrid, Panarua and Pipratand mouzas, along with adjoining areas of Bokaro Steel City, where the plant says encroachments and unauthorised commercial activities have been noticed.
According to the BSL communication, inspections found instances where electricity connections and meters had allegedly been provided by JBVNL to commercial establishments operating on encroached BSL land without obtaining an NOC or consent from the steel plant.
BSL has expressed concern that electricity connections to such establishments could give unauthorised occupation a more permanent footing and encourage further commercial encroachment on its property.
BSL seeks disconnection of existing power connections
The plant has urged JBVNL to identify and cancel or disconnect electricity connections supplied to unauthorised commercial establishments, factories and other commercial units operating on encroached BSL land.
BSL has also sought preventive measures to ensure that electricity infrastructure does not facilitate the expansion of unauthorised commercial activity on its property.
No new commercial connection without BSL verification
In another key request, BSL has asked JBVNL not to release new electricity connections or install meters for commercial establishments on BSL land without prior verification and an NOC from the steel plant.
The plant has further requested that applications for commercial electricity connections in the identified mouzas and other areas of Bokaro Steel City be referred to BSL authorities for verification of land ownership and the status of the property before the applications are processed.
Power supply becomes another front in anti-encroachment drive
The latest move comes amid intensified efforts by BSL to curb unauthorised occupation of its property. Recent reports indicate that the plant has begun permanently sealing vacated quarters after removing doors and windows to prevent fresh encroachment and reoccupation.
The latest communication suggests that BSL is now seeking the cooperation of electricity distribution authorities as another measure to prevent unauthorised commercial activity from taking root on its land.
The approach marks a broader anti-encroachment strategy in which BSL is seeking not only to reclaim occupied property but also to prevent essential infrastructure and services from facilitating unauthorised commercial use.
Action-taken report sought from JBVNL
BSL has stressed that JBVNL’s cooperation is essential to prevent further encroachment and protect the steel plant’s property. It has also sought an early action-taken report from the electricity utility.
The communication was issued for and on behalf of SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant by CRK Sudhanshu, GM (TA-LRA). Copies were marked to the Deputy Collector, Bokaro, and the Chief General Manager (TA).
