Demolition of betel vines and tree felling continued in full swing by the Jagatsinghpur district administration in the proposed Posco villages to acquire land for the South Korean firm.
At Govindapur village, 12 betel vines were demolished and Rs 13.15 lakh was distributed among the beneficiaries of six betel vine owners on Saturday. Similarly, 642 old trees were cut and compensation worth Rs 5.90 lakh was distributed.
Dullabh Rout of Govindapur village, who is a supporter of Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti (PPSS), alleged that he was denied compensation by the district administration for his betel vine as he is the member of anti-Posco brigade. He further alleged that the district administration officials are being bribed by many people who are constructing their betel vine overnight for getting hefty amounts as compensation.
During the demolition drive, the Paradip ADM, the Kujanga Tehsildar, besides police were present. A mild tension occurred when the pro and anti project activists had a brawl over the demolition of the vines.