The final phase of land acquisition for Posco steel plant, which had resumed three days back after a gap of twenty days in Gobindpur village, got disrupted today because of heavy protests.
Demonstration and mass rallies in Dhinkia and Gobindpur led by Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Narayan Reddy protesting 'forcible' demolition of betel vines prevented the police and district administration officials to enter into the area.
Sensing an impending law and order situation, the district collector decided not to resume land acquisition.
"We have no intention to expedite land acquisition by creating law and order situation in Gobindpur village. The administration stopped demolition of betel vine as the area is tense. We hope to resume the process tomorrow," said Jagatsinghpur district collector Satya Kumar Mallick.
The administration has almost completed acquisition of 2,600 acres, out of 2,700 acres required for the first phase of the Posco project envisaging 8 million tonne per annum (MTPA) steel capacity. Only 30 to 40 betel vines, spread in rest 100 acres need to be demolished before the area is handed over to the South Korean steel maker.
The state government will have to complete the process before July 10, as it has to move the police force engaged in the area to Puri for upcoming Car Festival.
