August 22, 2008

JSPL works in Orissa delayed by land problems

SNS reported that the construction works of INR 15,113 crore Jindal Steel & Power Limited has been further delayed due to land problem despite paying all the land compensation money to state authorities.

After rescheduling the date for thrice earlier, JSPL authorities had set the date of April 1st 2008 to begin their construction work of its steel and power plant on their acquired land. But they could not operate on their acquired land due to opposition by some local villagers for more compensation and other benefits. JSPL hopes to launch its much delayed construction works at least before monsoon.

According to a district official source, JSPL so far acquired and took possession of 1,750 acres of government and private land out of total required 4,400 acres of land. Meanwhile the company authorities are also worried over the delay in selection of the rehabilitation site even as the sub committee of the Rehabilitation & Peripheral development Advisory Committee had okayed it.

Mr Rajesh Kumar Jha executive director of JSPL Angul project said that it has prepared a unique community development package of staggering INR 50 crore to bring about radical changes in the economic lives of the people in all respects. About the demand by some land oustees for INR 1.5 million land per acre he clarified that the company will follow whatever is logical.