Bhubaneswar,October 23 (Odisha.in) Orissa government Monday announced all possible security to POSCO for establishment of its proposed $12 billion mega steelproject at Paradeep .
“All types of security required by POSCO will be provided during the period of the construction of the Steel plant , being the biggest ever FDI project in the country and governmetn wants to see that it comes up on schedule “, asserted the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unfazed by the rejection of his officer for direct dilogue for a negotiated solution of the road block, by the ant-Posco agitators.
However, Chief Minister did not rule out the possibility of using force against the anti-POSCO agitators fighting land alienation.
After a detailed discussion with the ten member POSCO Board of Directors At the state Secretariat, Patnaik reiterated that state government’s doors are open for direct dialogue with anti-POSCO brigade to bring a “peaceful and practical solution” for the greater interest of the people of the area and state on the whole.
“As committed by the POSCO Chief Chief Executive officer(CEO) Ku Taek Lee , the construction work of the proposed steel plant will begin on schedule with the ground breaking ceremony on April 1,2008,that is the Orissa Day”, the Chief Minister said.
Not taking any cognizance on the reports of possible shifting of the steel plant from the earmarked site at Paradeep., the Chief Minister categorically said,” there was no proposal to shift the project site from Jagatsinghpur district” on the face of opposition from a section of the people of Dhinkia , Nuagaan and Gada Kujanga adding “even POSCO has not given any such proposal yet”.
POSCO is very positive about the Paradeep project for the locational advantage , he Said.
Meanwhile the POSCO-India Spokesman, Sashank Patnaik said that the Company is committed for the Paradeep Project and will make it happen with the support of the people.
However, the POSCO Pratirodha Sangraam Samiti, spearheading the stir against the steel project led by Abhaya sahoo outrightly rejected the olive branch offered by the Chief Minister and annunced that the agitation will continue till POSCO goes back.
The South Korean steel majors India project at Paradeep, the MOU for which was signed in June 2005 , has not progressed aan inch in the earmarked site following the protest by the local people of Dhinkia, Nuagaan and Gadakujang .
Odisha.in