Paradip, July 12: Villagers today stopped boundary line demarcation and trench digging for Posco steel project.

They also allegedly beat up the workers of a private construction firm at Nolia Sahi and Bayanalakanda.

The protesters’ grouse was that government agencies and the company had paid scant regard towards the interest of displaced and land losers’ families. After finishing the land acquisition process on July 4, the Jagatsinghpur district administration resumed digging trench for erecting boundary walls at the 8MTPA steel project site near Paradip four days ago.

Police have confirmed reports of people’s unrest. “We have received reports of the trench digging being stopped by villagers. The company erecting the wall had, however, not sought for our assistance. No police forces were present at the site. The police are ready to assist if request is made in this regard,” said Abhayachandrapur police station inspector Anirudha Routray.

“As land acquisition was over on July 4, emphasis is now on the boundary wall construction. Work for trench digging started today and around 50-metre patch has been dug out. It, however, stopped as local people objected to it,” said general manager of the state-run Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) Sangram Mahapatra.

The villagers are opposing construction of the boundary wall, as it would stop their free movement. Besides, it might obstruct cattle that often venture into forest for grazing.

“The company and the government have let the people down. After demolition of betel vines, source of income has taken a beating. The betel vine labourers have not yet received a single penny. The rehabilitation and resettlement plan for those being affected by the steel company is yet to be given final shape,” said Basudeb Behera of Nolia Sahi.

“We expect to finish trench digging within a month. A total of 1,903 acres have been transferred to Posco, while Idco owns the rest 797 acres. In due course of time, it will also be transferred to the company,” said an official.

“The project related ancillary works will restart with the people’s consensus. Ground levelling and dismantling of sand dunes within the project area will be carried out. Tree cutting, which has been suspended, will resume after the national green tribunal vacates the stay on it,” said Jagatsinghpur collector Satya Kumar Mallick.

The administration is intent on resolving pending grievances of people of the project villages. There are points of differences over the rehabilitation and resettlement issues. The issue will be settled amicably, he said.