Vedanta University work stops

The Vedanta group has announced stop of work on its Rs 15,000 crore world class university being set in the Puri-Konark marine drive following local disturbances.

The locals, protesting against acquisition of large chunk of land for the university, clashed with the company officials during the ground breaking ceremony (Bhumi Puja) for the project.

However, the company hopes to resume the construction work of the university, coming up under the aegis of Anil Agarwal Foundation, soon. It may be noted the promoters of the university propose to admit students for different courses like engineering, humanities, basic sciences and business administration from 2010 academic year. The delay in start of construction is likely to cast shadow on timely completion of the project.

“We are in talks with the local people, but few of them are creating disturbances. However, in view of the violent situation yesterday we have stopped the work of the university and intend to resume the construction work soon”, said a company official.

Meanwhile, Umaballav Rath, leader of the Vedanta Vishwavidyalaya Virodhi Samiti, the organisation spearheading the movement against the university project, said, “for the time being we have withdrawn our protest as the officials of the Vedanta Group have assured us in the presence of the district administration that they are not going to start work on the project without our consent. We are going to hold a mass convention in Puri on November 9 involving different political parties, educationists, media persons and other stakeholders to deliberate on the issue”, he added.

The Bhumi Puja marking the start of construction work of the project was marred by marauding protesters, armed with lathis, who ran over the place and chased away the company officials. None of the company's officials, however, were injured in the incident as the police provided them shelter in the Balighai police outpost in the vicinity of the project site.

The police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the agitating mob when they surrounded the outpost where the company officials were given shelter. About 600 local villagers took part in the agitation.

The mob damaged a vehicle of Sidharta Construction, the contractors of the project, in the process. Though the company has not filed any FIR regarding the incident, the construction company has filed a case regarding damage to its property.

The company requires about 6000 acres for the project, out of which it claimed acquisition of 3155 acres of land. It has already taken possession of 2256.49 acres which includes 385.15 acres of government and 1871.34 acres of private land.