Land losers petition NGT to stop land transfer to JSW Steel

They claim Idco diverted forest land for non-forest purposes without prior consent

The Odisha government's bid to hasten transfer of land originally acquired for Posco's mega steel mill near Paradip to JSW Steel has met opposition from earlier owners, protesting at the erection of a boundary wall.

The government acquired 2,700 acres in July 2013 for Posco's proposed 12-million tonne plant. Later, when Posco opted to surrender the lot, much of it forest land, Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) decided to take it back into its land bank, with the government's agreement.

However, locals have petitioned the National Green Tribunal (NGT), alleging Idco diverted forest land for non-forest purposes. Prior consent, they contend,