Locals at Posco site hold talks with district administration

The district administration in Jagatsinghpur on Thursday held discussions with the activists of Erasama Block Surkhya Manch (EBSM), an outfit consisting of different political parties and assured them to fulfill their demands before the establishment of the Posco project.

The assurance was given by the district collector Narayan Jena at a meeting which was attended by the leaders of different political parties like BJD, BJP and CPI. Special land acquisition officer of Paradip, Nrusingh Swain was also present on the occasion.

It may be noted that EBSM had intensified its stir against the Rs 54,000-crore Posco project, demanding fulfillment of its 13-point charter of demands.

Sarada Prasana Jena, convener of EBSM said, the Manch is fighting to safeguard the life and livelihood of the local people.

The organization is opposed to the establishment of industries on fertile land and has suggested that the industries can be developed on unused land.

It is also against the proposal of Posco to set up a captive port at Jatadhari river mouth and instead suggested that the company should use the Paradip port for its project.

EBSM feels that Posco's captive port at Jatadhari river mouth would paralyze the livelihood of the fishermen communities. It also demanded that water from the Taladanda canal, which is meant for irrigation, should not be supplied to Posco.

The organization suggested that Posco should not export iron ore to other countries but use the mineral within the state and create employment opportunity for youths of Erasama block and for the entire district.

It is also opposed to the creation of the Posco Special Economic Zone which it believes will deteriorate the socio economic condition of the poor farmers.

It urged Posco to solve various problems of affected people regarding land acquisition, rehabilitation and compensation through discussion.