K'taka seeks to reach out to farmers opposing Posco project

With a section of farmers opposing acquisition of land in Gadag district for three companies, including Korean steel giant Posco, Karnataka government is all set to attempt persuasion tactics.

Women and Child Welfare Minister and District-in-Charge Minister CC Patil is visiting the villages tomorrow to hold discussions with officials, local seers and farmers.

The decision was taken at a meeting convened today by Large and Medium Scale Industries Minister Murugesh R Nirani, which was attended by officials of the Department and Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).

Official sources said Niran has issued instructions not to acquire fertile and farm lands, and consider reviewing the process if a "large number of farmers oppose it".

A section of farmers in Jantli-Shirur, Halligudi and Mevundi has opposed the acquisition. A total of 5,685.27 acres is proposed to be acquired to benefit three companies, including Posco, which plans to set up a Rs 32,366 crore steel project.