SNS reported that public hearing for expansion of Shyam DRI took place on May 21st 2008 and as many as 53 out of 59 spoke in favor of the proposed expansion to increase steel production and thereby boosting local employment.

Nearly 800 people including activists of the reputed NGOs of the locality participated in the public hearing where ADM of Sambalpur Mr NC Satpathy presided. Regional officer of the state pollution control board Mr SK Sahu and senior scientists were present.

Mr Satpathy said that "Establishment of an industrial training institute, development of local roads, water supply to adjacent villages was also subjects of discussion."

Participants present mainly demanded local employment and pollution control to which the management agreed. It also further agreed to upgrade Rengali hospital with modern equipment and take care of the Oriya schools by appointing skilled teachers.

Meanwhile, the management assured that "As many as 3,060 direct employments and 5,000 indirect employments will be created after the expansion. Hence, employment to the right persons will not be a problem."