Bhadrak: Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) is encountering problems to construct the boundary wall around a plot of land in Bhandraipokhari block as the land losers are opposing the construction.

The plot of 248 acres, including 217 acres belonging to three villages - Paimahuri, Helpur and Majurugadia under Naguaon gram panchayat, was acquired by the Idco in 1996-97 for establishment of a sugar mill. A private party, Dharani Sugar Mill, had agreed to establish a sugar mill in the region as it has high sugarcane yield.

However, the private party shelved the project due to unknown reasons and the land was returned to Idco. In 2009, the state government declared that a food as well as textile park would be established on the plot. But, the farmers opposed the decision.

The land losers' outfit, Anchalika Farmers Parishad, said it would fight tooth and nail against the move of the government to set up a food and textile park on the plot.

"Around 300 farmers had parted with their land for the establishment of a sugar mill. They gave their land at throwaway prices hoping that the sugar mill establishment will improve their economic condition. The sugarcane cultivated in the area and in Balasore will be utilised in the mill. Each land losers were assured that one member of their family will get a job," said Badri Dhal, a member of Anchalika Farmers Parishad.

"The hope is shattered as the project didn't take off. Now, Idco is constructing a boundary wall to establish a food and textile park. We won't allow this. Our demand is clear. Either establish a sugar mill or return the land to the farmers. The farmers are ready to return the compensation amount with interest. We are fighting a legal battle in the court," Dhal said.

A land loser of Paimahura village Khageswar Sahu said that they were given an amount between Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 per acre whereas the current rate of one decimal of the land is more than Rs 2 lakh.

"We are facing opposition from some farmers. They are not allowing the construction of the boundary wall. About 30 per cent of the work has been completed," said Idco deputy general manager Panchanan Nayak.