"We could demolish only two patches of betel vines and cut 54 trees today," Jagtsinghpur district collector S K Mallick told reporters as the officials wind up the day's work at the proposed plant site villages.
While supporters of the project led by Ranjan Bardhan asked the district administration to announce rehabilitation package before proceeding further, the opponents held a demonstration near the betel vine demolition site.
"We are not opposed to the project. We assist the administration to undertake land acquisition activities. But, that does not mean we have withdrawn our demands. The villagers want rehabilitation before further progress," Bardhan said adding that the people who lost jobs due to demolition of betel vines were not compensated.
The district administration also made it clear that it would again go on land acquisition drive with consent of the people.
The land acquisition process which was suspended for three days, had resumed yesterday at Gobindpur village.