Work at Posco site resumes after 10 days

Work at the proposed site for Posco's controversial Rs 52,000-crore (Rs 520 billion) steel project in Orissa's Jagatsinghpur district resumed on Tuesday after remaining stalled since June 26.

"Work in Gadakujanga and Nuagaon areas is going on today," Jagatsinghpur district collector N C Jena said.

Felling of trees and clearing of forest area and acquired betel-vine farms were continuing in Gadakujanga and Nuagaon areas, official sources said, adding steps were also taken for ground levelling.

In Polanga-Noliasahi area of Nuagaon panchayat, where rehabilitation colony for displaced people was proposed to be constructed, sand filling and other civil works were in progress, Jena said.

Work had come to a halt after villagers and activists of United Action Committee (UAC), an outfit backing the mega project, staged dharna demanding immediate fulfilment of their six-point demands including enhanced compensation to land losers and proper rehabilitation.

Following talks with district authorities on July 1, UAC leaders agreed to cooperate and allow work in the land already acquired for the project, the sources said.