'Orissa not to go against peoples' wishes for mega projects'

Orissa government today said it would seek people's support for the implementation of mega projects, including Rs 51,000 crore proposed steel plant to be set up by South Korean firm Posco.

Though worried over the delay in implementing the Posco project, the state government said peoples' support is foremost for setting up any mega project.

"Our policy of peaceful industrialisation is applicable to all the proposed projects, including the one by Posco," steel and mines minister Raghunath Mohanty said.

"Posco project will be implemented with the support of the people and not against their wishes," chief secretary T K Mishra told reporters here.

The state government's views came a day after the Centre expressed concern over the delay in implementing the Posco and ArcelorMittal's proposed steel plants with 12 mtpa capacity each in Orissa.

Mishra who chaired the secretary-level review meeting on Posco project yesterday, said efforts were on to convince the agitating people to support setting up Posco's greenfield project.