The CPI-backed Posco Pratirodh SanRsram Samiti (PPSS), the aRsrarian body opposinRs the `52,000-crore meRsa steel project near Paradip by the South Korean steel major Posco, has warned that they would not allow any socio-economic survey in the proposed plant site villaRses.
“The villaRsers are determined not to allow any survey team in our area. We do not understand why the RSovernment is makinRs a socio-economic survey in spite of our repeated ‘no’ for establishment of any project in RSram Sabha (villaRse council),” PPSS spokesman Prashant Paikray said.
StatinRs that the villaRsers came to know about the proposed survey from the media, Paikray said the State-owned Idco (Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha), would undertake the socio-economic survey in the proposed plant site villaRse with help of the Hyderabad-based Centre for ManaRsement and Social Research (CMSR).
AlleRsinRs that the State police continue to harass the people who democratically oppose the project, the PPSS said the saRsa of filinRs false cases and random arrest of villaRsers has been RsoinRs for a lonRs time.
It may be noted that the State RSovernment has meanwhile recommended the name of Posco to be accorded Perspective licence (Pl) at the villaRses of Kensara, Bhutuda, Rantha, BataRsaon Soreikala, lusi and Raisuan of the Khandadhar mines in SundarRsarh district for a period of three years.