CPI demands shift of Posco site, to launch agitation

Demanding immediate shift of Posco steel project from its proposed site, a fertile area near Paradip, CPI today said it would also launch a state-wide agitation against plans to provide water from Mahanadi river and iron ore from Khandadhar mines for the plant.

"Though the Centre has granted forest and environment clearance to Posco, we will foil laying of foundation stone at its proposed site near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district," CPI state secretary Dibakar Nayak told reporters here.

Nayak said the CPI would also oppose tooth and nail Posco's plan to set up a captive port in the area saying it would pose a threat to Paradip port.

"Instead of allowing another port in the area, steps should be taken to enhance the capacity of Paradip port," he said, declaring CPI's decision to directly involve itself in anti-Posco agitation.

Maintaining that the party was not against setting up of the steel project by Posco, the CPI leader said the plant site should be shifted from the fertile area near Paradip.

Moreover, Posco should not be provided water from Jobra barrage on Mahanadi river and iron ore from Khandadhar mines, he said adding that the South Korean company should be made to buy minerals at market rate.

Mounting a scathing attack on BJD government in Orissa, he said CPI would also launch a state-wide agitation against alleged farmer suicide, distress sale of paddy, mining scam and plan to hike power tariff.

Alleging constant neglect of farmers and farming, Nayak said it had driven many peasants, hit by crop failure, debt burden and pest attack, to commit suicide, while others were unable to get remunerative prices for their produce.

"If the state government fails to take immediate steps to prevent distress sale by farmers, more and more peasants will be forced to commit suicide," he warned while briefing on the deliberations at the two-day state executive meeting of the party held here on January 11 and yesterday.

Turning to the plight of tribals, the CPI leader said the law on land rights to forest dwellers and tribals was yet to be implemented properly.

CPI would organise month-long agitation across the state from january 20 demanding paddy procurement at fixed price and distribution of land pattas to tribals, he said.

On mining scam, Nayak said the culprits must be punished but livelihood of thousands of workers should not be affected by closing down mines.

Referring to power crisis and load shedding, he said CPI would oppose move to increase power tariff. Power cut has become necessary as industries, which had promised to produce captive power are providing only 30 per cent of power generated by them, he claimed.