As uncertainty looms large over the fate of proposed South Korean company Posco’s mega steel project near Paradip in Jagatsighpur district, the locals have started erecting betel vines on the land that was earlier acquired by the Idco for the company.
According to pro-Posco outfit United Action Committee general secretary Nirbhaya Samantaray, more than two dozens of betel vines were set up by the locals of Gobindapur and Polanga in last one month amid prevailing uncertainty over the construction works for the Posco project.
Meanwhile, several locals of Nuagaon, Bayanalakanda and Noliasahi are now jubilant that they would once again set up the money spinning betel vine business in their locality. “Though we had handed over our land to the district administration for setting up of Posco, yet now we are happy to raise betel vine on the land which could not be used for long a time,” said a betel grower of Gobindapur.
If sources are to be believed, several dozens of youths have migrated to other States for working as manual labourer after the betel vines were demolished by the district administration and their land was acquired for Posco. But, now the family members are asking their wards to return home as they can now revert to their old occupation with their land lying unused.
Meanwhile, the Indian employees working at Posco’s Bhubaneswar office have started leaving the job. On the other hand, the State Government and the South Korean major have hardened their stand on payment of dues for the land acquired. Posco has also withdrawn from the special purpose vehicle for the laying the Haridaspur-Paradip railway line.
With a hope that they would get engagement in Posco, the locals had handed over their land. But now, with the Posco’ fate hanging in balance, the locals have grown betel vine in the land, said Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti (PPSS) president Abhaya Sahu. The PPSS is known for its avowed anti-Posco stand since years.
According to sources, about 1,118 betel vines were demolished in five villages such as Nuagaon, Polanga, Bayanalakanda, Gobindpur and Noliasahi. A compensation of about Rs24.40 crore was distributed among the villagers.