Posco land acquisition likely to take off from Noliasahi soon

The Jagatsinghpur district administration has initiated steps to expedite land acquisition for the Posco’s mega steel plant in Orissa following the declaration of the compensation package for the project affected persons.

The process is likely to take off from Noliasahi, where the administration has received overwhelming support for the project, sources said. The disbursement of compensation is expected to start from July 18.

Meanwhile, the district collector and other officials visited the project area and verified the site boundaries.

After finalization of the Posco package, the district administration has decided to issue notification for payment of compensation within next couple of days. It is also advising the betel vine cultivators to apply for compensation. However, the villagers have demanded correction in the site survey report with inclusion of left out betel vines before issue of notification for payment of compensation.

During the socio-economic survey, a total 1503 betel vines, operating on an area of 153.40 acres, in Noliashai, Bayanalkanda, Polanga, Nuagaon Gobindpur and Bhuiyanpal villages were identified.

However, there were 374 betel vines, covering an area of 50.87 acres, which could not be properly identified as their owners did not come forward to claim the ownership of the property.

On the other hand, 31 prawn ponds operating over an area 269.96 acres have been identified in Nuagaon, Bhiyanpal and Jatadhari villages. Similarly, fruit and non-fruit bearing trees in respect of 985 beneficiaries have been enumerated in these villages.

The value of these trees has been estimated at Rs 3.90 crore. After disbursement of compensation, the beneficiaries will be asked to demolish betel vines, prawn ponds and otherstructures existing on government land.

Sarpanch of Gadkujang, Nakul Sahoo said, nearly 400 applications have been received from the affected villagers for inclusion of their betel vines in the survey list so. He urged the tehsildar, Kujang to consider their cases as the administration has assured to correct the mistakes in the survey during discussion with United Action Committee, a pro Posco outfit. District Rehabilitation Officer, Surjeet Das said, steps have been taken to disburse the compensation and the process is on to issue notification within a couple of days.