Govt not to acquire land for Posco from Patana village

Odisha government has decided not to acquire any area for now at Patana village where three anti-Posco activists died while allegedly making bombs even as land acquisition for Posco steel plant in Jagatsinghpur district continued for the fourth day today.
"Land acquisition was carried out and 10 betel vine plantations were razed to the ground at Gobindpur village with the cooperation of villagers," Additional District Magistrate (Paradip) Surjit Das said.
As many as 65 trees were also cut during today's operations, he said, adding Rs 17 lakh would be paid to the farmers whose betel vineyards were demolished and trees cut.

About 200 acres of land had been acquired since the current phase of acquisition began on Sunday, Das said, adding the process would continue as many villagers were voluntarily coming forward to hand over land.
About 250 acres of land had been acquired during four days of acquisition drive undertaken last month, the ADM said.
However, it has been decided not to undertake any land acquisition operation at Patana village for now, he said adding that earlier it had been made clear that no land would be acquired in Dhinkia village for the mega steel project.