File picture of a betel vine farmer at Gobindpur

Paradip, April 15: Villagers of Gobindpur have sought for resumption of the land acquisition process for Posco steel project, much to the relief of the district administration.

Authorities will shortly resume the land drive, which was stopped last month following resistance from a section of potential landlosers, in the area. Sources said the forest clearance exercise and project work would also start.

The betel vine owners have petitioned the civil and police administration and asked for re-launch of the land drive. The landowners have expressed solidarity with the government’s move to acquire the betel vineyards. “The land acquisition would be carried out with local people’s co-operation. Question of forcible land acquisition, as it is being alleged by anti-Posco activists, does not arise,” said Jagatsinghpur district collector Satya Kumar Mallick.

The landowners at Gobindpur have also sought police security at the village while stating that their safety is at stake following acts of intimidation by the anti-Posco activists. “Armed policemen have been stationed at Gobindpur to ensure people’s safety and maintenance of law and order,” Jagatsinghpur superintendent of police Satyabrata Bhoi told The Telegraph.

“People have requested the government to expedite the land acquisition process at Gobindpur. Barring a handful, all landowners want to give away their land for the project. The government, without making further delay, should go ahead with the process. Some outsiders from Dhinkia are fermenting trouble in the area,” said Anadi Charan Rout, president of the United Action Committee, a pro-Posco outfit.

However, the Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti differed from the administration’s version. “The administration has unleashed a divide-and-rule policy. It is trying to win over people by monetary inducements. The majority of people are opposed to the project. The resistance movement will be launched with renewed vigour,” said Samiti general secretary Sisir Kumar Mahapatra.

The chief secretary also held a discussion with the Jagatsinghpur district administration recently for expedition of the project work, said an official.

The steel company had earlier decided to exclude private land in the resistance movement-affected Dhinkia gram panchayat. It has also declared to downsize the project from 12MTPA (million tonne per annum) to 8MTPA.

On the other hand, the state government claims to have already acquired nearly 2,200 acres from areas such as Nuagaon and Gadkujang panchyats. The state-run Idco has transferred 1,703 acres of the acquired land to the steel company.