Paradip, Jan. 7: The district administration today deferred the commencement of project work with anti-Posco activists stepping up their campaign.

The administration was to resume acquisition of forestland by dismantling betel vineyards in Gobindpur. But the Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti took out a rally and held a public meeting on the Dhinkia-Nuagaon border.

“Last April, the National Green Tribunal had ordered for a fresh environment impact assessment of the project. The tribunal has barred the company from going ahead with the construction. But, the government officials,” said general secretary of the samiti Sisir Kumar Mahapatra.

The administration is yet to decide on a date to resume work. “The forestland, which is under unauthorised occupation of betel vine farmers, will be taken up for acquisition. No private land is to be acquired. Everything is being done within the parameters of the green tribunal ruling,” said Paradip additional district magistrate Surajit Das.