Posco project: Locals cooperate, work gains momentum

Paradip (Orissa), Jul 6: Work gained momentum at the proposed site for Posco's controversial Rs 52,000-crore steel plant project in Orissa's Jagatsinghpur district today with the cooperation of local residents.

"Eleven teams were engaged for work at Gadakujanga, Noliasahi and Polanga areas in the proposed Posco project site with the cooperation and support of villagers," Additional District Magistrate (Paradip), Sarojkanta Choudhury said.

Felling of trees and clearing of forest area and acquired betel-vine farms were continuing in Gadakujanga and adjoining areas, official sources said, adding ground levelling work was also in progress.

In Polanga-Noliasahi area of Nuagaon panchayat, where rehabilitation colony for displaced people was proposed to be constructed, sand filling and other civil works were in progress, Choudhury said.

Base measurement of betel vines was also being carried out which would help in fixation of exact amount of compensation to land losers, the ADM said. Work had resumed at the project site yesterday after remaining stalled for ten days.

Work had come to a halt after villagers and activists of the United Action Committee (UAC), an outfit backing the mega project, staged dharna, demanding immediate fulfilment of their six-point demands including enhanced compensation to land losers and proper rehabilitation.

Following talks with the district authorities on July 1, the UAC leaders agreed to cooperate and allow work in about 1800 acre land already acquired for the mega greenfield steel project, sources said. .

PTI