Resurvey at Posco site to use GPS

Faced with the allegations of irregularities and deficiencies in the recently concluded survey of the Posco project, it has been decided to conduct a fresh survey at the three panchayats- Dhinkia, Nugaon and Gadkujang, the proposed sites for the mega project, using the Global Positioning System (GPS).

The Jagatsinghpur district administration acting on the suggestion of Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) and officials of Posco India, has formed joint survey teams to start resurvey at the project site.

Four survey teams have been constituted to conduct joint resurvey from July 25 to August 18. Each team consists of five personnel of forest, horticulture and revenue departments, Idco officials and GPS experts.

Two teams will function under the supervision of the Kujang tehsildar and the other two are under the supervision of tehsildar, Erasama. During the survey, the teams will enumerate and measure the area of betel vines, prawn ponds, trees and other immovable properties through GPS.

Fresh applications will also be invited from the beneficiaries for inclusion of betel vines on survey list. The survey will kick off from Bayanalkanda, Bhiyanpal and Noliasahi village under Gadkujang panchayat from July 25.

“GPS is to be deployed to assess the illegal encroachment of the government and forest land at the proposed Posco site”, said Idco chairman and managing director Priyabrata Pattnaik.

The district administration had conducted a workshop at the Jagatsinghpur collectorate on ground clearance for land acquisition and getting physical possession of government land. The workshop was attended by officials of revenue, forest and horticulture departments as well as officials of Idco and Posco India.

The Jagatsinghpur district collector Narayan Jena and Posco India managing director C W Sung were present at the meeting.Sources said, GPS will be used to assess the encroachment of land and study the detailed land feasibility and boundary site at the Posco area. A master plan has been prepared in which lands, betel vines, prawn ponds and other immovable properties will be super imposed through GPS mapping.

It has also been decided to take the photographs of the existing betel vines, beneficiaries and demolished betel vines after payment of compensation. Experts have also explained about the enumeration, measurement, assessment and valuation of betel vines, fruit and non-fruit bearing trees, prawn ponds and other immovable properties.

On the other hand, the district administration has formed three special teams to expedite payment of compensation and oversee law and order situation.