The Hindu : Other States / Orissa News : Agnivesh suggests alternative site for setting up steel mill

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Monday, Dec 24, 2007
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Other States - Orissa

Agnivesh suggests alternative site for setting up steel mill

Opposes POSCO’s decision to construct plant on seaside area

Suggests Paradip as an option; says company will have to invest less there
Swami Agnivesh also opposes supply of Mahanadi water to the steel major

Bhubaneswar: Supporting industrialisation plans in Orissa, Swami Agnivesh on Sunday offered alternatives to South Korean steel major POSCO, if it sincerely wanted to set up a 12 mtpa steel mill in the State.

A day after visiting several seaside villages in POSCO project area, the president of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, told reporters here that the South Korean company should not be allowed to set up its plant at the proposed site as it would destroy a well developed agrarian economy.

“POSCO may be allotted any alternative land. One is available in Paradip area within 10 km from the proposed plant site,” he said adding “there is 19,000 acres of barren land which can be utilised for the purpose.”

He said the steel giant could easily develop the barren land by spending a small amount of money which would be much less than its estimated expenditure towards compensation and rehabilitation to the people at the proposed site.

“I do not understand why the Orissa Government and POSCO are out to take the land in seaside villages while alternatives are available,” Swami Angivesh wondered.

He too opposed POSCO’s proposed captive port project, saying “I will also suggest an alternative port. The company could develop capacity of the existing port at Paradip.”

“In Orissa you [POSCO] are getting alternative land and port. Hence there is no point in raking a quarrel with the peace loving villagers,” he said. Swami Agnivesh said the people of Dhinkia village, considered as the epicentre of anti-POSCO movement, were absolutely peace loving and right in opposing the project. “A captive mine and a captive port along with SEZ status to POSCO will be a security threat and also detrimental to Paradip port and the country as a whole,” he said.

He pointed out that no other steel plant including Bhilai, Bokaro or Rourkela have their own captive port and all are earning good profit. “Why different standards for foreign multinational?,” he asked. He also opposed supply of Mahanadi water to the steel major.

Demanding complete review of the Special Economic Zone Act, Swami Agnivesh said the Supreme Court and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had stated that no fertile land should be converted into SEZ.

He said he would meet the Prime Minister and draw his attention towards alleged violation of law of the land near Paradip. — PTI

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