JK Lakshmi Cement Limited has initiated the process for securing Environmental Clearance (EC) for its proposed standalone cement grinding unit in Madhubani district, Bihar. The company, a major player in India’s cement industry, received the Terms of Reference (ToR) on February 24, 2025, from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), enabling it to begin the formal environmental assessment process.
The proposed unit, with a production capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (TPA), is planned at Lohat Industrial Area in Pandaul block of Madhubani. Spanning 22.66 hectares, the facility will produce OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement), PSC (Portland Slag Cement), PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement), and Composite Cement, developed in two phases of 1.5 MTPA each.
EC Application Marks Critical Step
Following the grant of ToR in February, JK Lakshmi Cement is preparing the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environment Management Plan (EMP) reports, in line with prescribed guidelines. These will form the basis of the final EC application, a mandatory requirement before any construction activity can begin.
The company has proposed to begin construction on October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for March 31, 2027. The plant site is located 10 km from Madhubani town, 6.5 km from Pandaul railway station, and 30 km from Darbhanga Airport, offering strong connectivity via both road and rail networks.
Project Highlights
In Phase I, JK Lakshmi plans to install one Vertical Roller Mill (VRM), two packers, six truck loaders, and a hot gas generator, along with a clinker silo, truck and wagon tipplers, and dedicated storage for gypsum, coal, and slag. Phase II will add a second VRM, additional packers and loaders, and blending infrastructure.
The plant’s material requirements include 78,000 tonnes of coal annually, to be sourced from ECL and CCL in Jharkhand (400 km), and 1.62 lakh tonnes of gypsum, to be imported via Haldia Port in West Bengal (700 km). Transportation will be done primarily by road, with rail also being explored.
Focus on Energy and Environmental Responsibility
The facility will draw 20 MW of electricity from the North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL), and will include 500 kW of renewable energy capacity, contributing 2.5% of its total energy needs. Two 500 KVA DG sets are also planned for backup.
JK Lakshmi Cement has earmarked 7.5 hectares for green belt development to act as an environmental buffer. The plant layout also includes space for internal roads, water reservoirs, and storage units. The EIA/EMP will assess air quality, noise, water use, biodiversity impact, and social impacts, all essential for securing final environmental clearance.
