Current Affairs - State - Discussion

Odisha has been selected as the location for India's first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate project, which will be established at Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda district. The project is being developed by Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited, a joint venture between BHEL and Coal India Limited. Using indigenous coal gasification technology, the facility will convert coal into synthesis gas and produce 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per day. With an investment of over ₹25,000 crore, the project aims to reduce dependence on imported chemical products, strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, promote technological innovation, and generate substantial employment opportunities while supporting the broader goal of energy and industrial self-reliance.