Orissa govt rules out Posco site change

Rejecting the demand for shifting the Posco plant site from the proposed area near Paradip, Orissa Government today asked the protesters to accept the rehabilitation package even as agitators produced several documents claiming their right over the land.

Rejecting the demand for shifting the Posco plant site from the proposed area near Paradip, Orissa Government today asked the protesters to accept the rehabilitation package even as agitators produced several documents claiming their right over the land.

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"We have told them in clear terms that there is no possibility of site change," Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central Division, PK Mohapatra said after holding talks with members of Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti (PPSS), which is spearheading anti-Posco agitation.

Villagers should examine the rehabilitation package before rejecting the offer made by Posco, he said.

The marathon meeting, spanning over three-hours at the RDC's office here was cordial, the officer said, adding he received revenue records from the villagers claiming right over the government land.

"PPSS leaders were given copies of the rehabilitation and resettlement policy. They were requested to read it to know if the proposed project will be beneficial to the people," Mohapatra said.

PPSS general secretary and sarpanch of Dhinkia gram panchayat Sisir Mohapatra, however, said they have submitted land records and other documents showing that the villagers were in possession of the government land for the last over 75 years.