The Steel Secretary expressed concern over tardy implementation of steel projects in the state, rich in raw materials like iron ore and coal needed for steel industry.

Stating that India became the fourth largest steel producer in the world, he said the country has produced about 78 million tonnes of steel in 2012-13.

With Odisha unable to rise to satisfactory levels, the Centre has asked the state government to submit a detailed report on the progress made by different projects.

As different projects faced delay in land acquisition, people resistance and non-availability of ore, the Union Steel Ministry has decided to review the progress and impediments of the projects with the state government officials in the third week of this month.

Choudhary is scheduled to visit Odisha in the third week of June to conduct a review meeting with the Chief Secretary and other state officials to find out the reasons behind slow progress of steel projects.

"It is a routine meeting with the union steel ministry. They used to keep a tab on the developments being made in different states," Patnaik told reporters.

Meanwhile, state steel and mines department has asked all concerned departments like Forest and Environment, Water Resources, Revenue, IPICOL (The Industrial Investment Promotion Corporation of Odisha Limited), IDCO (Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation) and Director of Mines to furnish a detailed report on the impediments encountered by the project proponents in executing the projects.

"It has been reported that some of the steel projects being executed in your state are delayed due to pending statutory approvals/clearances, non-availability of raw material linkage, issues related to land acquisition, law and order problem," Choudhary wrote to Patnaik.

Stating that a vibrant steel sector is critical for sustaining growth of a rapidly industrialising economy such as India, Choudhury said: "it is imperative that steel sector continues to grow at a rapid pace .. more particularly in Odisha, which has been blessed with an abundance of raw materials required by this industry."