Land acquisition still a problem for industries in Odisha

Land acquisition continues to be a major problem for setting up an industry in Odisha as there is no clarity at the ground level, leading to delays in projects and cost overruns even though the Odisha government has a clear policy, feel captains of major industries who are setting up their projects in the state.

"Taking out land for setting up a project in Gujarat and Odisha is quite different. While the Odisha government has a clear policy to deal with land acquisition, there is lack of clarity over implementation at ground level," said Nalco Chief Managing Director Anshuman Das at a discussion here.

He said that the government is good at dealing with the public and they are trained for that in terms of land acquisition and other issues.

Tata Steel Managing Director T.V. Narendran said unless all stake holders talk to each other, there cannot be economic growth.

"In China, a steel plant is built in three years. But, in India it takes many years. I am not suggesting we go the China way. We have a democracy and we need to take every stake holder into account for inclusive growth," said Narendran.

MCL Chief Managing Director A.N. Sahay said that land is a issue that needs to be handled by the government.

"Consultation is a must with people before land acquisition. But, we are out and out technical people. We are not trained to talk with the people. It is extremely difficult for us to deal with the situation," said Sahay.

Social activist Jagadananda said the government has no clear road map for land acquisition in the state that would accelerate the growth trajectory in the state.

"The manner in which the industrialisation is taking place that is a concern. The kind of dialogue with people is not satisfactory in the state. The district administration always sides with the industries ignoring the tribals population and others," said Jagadananda.

Odisha Industry Minister Devi Prasad Mishra, however, said that the government is taking steps for the smooth facilitation of land acquisition to set up projects in the state.