POSCO War Zone : UN HR agency investigating land dispute

Bhubaneswar, Sep 9:

POSCO’s proposed 12 million tonne steel plant near the Paradip port in Jagatsinghpur district that was first announced in 2006 now has to satisfy the United Nations Human Rights Agency that the land so far earmarked for the project has been acquired legally and adequate compensation given to displaced persons.

According to the UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on Development, Evictions and Displacement, persons threatened with or subjected to forced eviction have the right to timely remedy including a fair hearing, access to legal counsel, legal aid, restitution, resettlement, rehabilitation and compensation.

Amnesty International India is supporting the displaced persons in their request to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who have written to the Odisha state government requiring them to provide evidence within one month that the required compensation and resettlement measures have been taken.

The Odisha government says it has now acquired 2700 acres for the project and paid out compensation of Rs 67.2 million. Phase 1 of the project will see a 8 million tonne per year integrated mill built, possibly using Finex technology.

Officials from the state government and police resumed forced evictions on 28 June to acquire land for the project. At least 20 people were injured in the protests.

( Source – Steel Times International )