Public Hearing For Steel Plant Opposed By Odisha Villagers

Jagatsinghpur: A public hearing for environmental clearance sought by JSW Utkal Steel Limited for a plant in Jagatsinghpur district was opposed today by locals.

As per reports, residents of Dhinkia, Gobindpur, Nuagaon, Polanga, Bhuyanpal and Jatadhari areas along with social workers alleged that the proposed plant will be harmful and affect the livelihood of local residents.

They also alleged that since Posco plant could not be set up after opposition by locals, the State government is hatching a conspiracy to set up another one in the same area.

The locals also sought return of 2,700 acre land which was allegedly acquired forcefully and demanded withdrawal of cases registered against protesters during anti-Posco agitation.

"We want withdrawal of the false cases registered against some protesters. The land which was forcibly acquired should be returned back," said Manorama, a protesting resident of Dhinkia.

Prafulla Samantara, president of a public forum, Lok Shakti Abhiyan, said, "Govt should stop the public hearing immediately and return 2700 acre land which was forcibly acquired.”

No comments could be obtained from JSW Utkal Steel Limited authorities and concerned government officials.