Business Standard reported that the Mr Simanta Mohanty GM of POSCO India recently said that the clarification issued by the MoEF is appropriate.

He said “POSCO India is committed to meeting all governmental provisions to go ahead with its project. The affected people, as identified by the Government and under existing governmental regulations, will be provided with mitigation as per the mandate.”

He said that “As far as we are aware, there is no tribal population in our project area. However, we will await further advice on this subject by the governmental authorities and hope that the transfer of encroachment free land to us is expedited.”

The company has already stated that it is going to create a green belt of two million trees at their project site. The company has deposited INR 105 crore with the state government towards compensatory afforestation.

POSCO India has also stated that it will abide by the provisions of the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, 2006 of the Orissa government.

Union ministry of environment and forests has asked POSCO to fulfill 15 conditions before going ahead with its proposed 12 million tonne per annum integrated steel plant near Paradip.

These important conditions placed by MoEF include taking up all possible afforestation measures, providing suitable compensation to the affected people and settling the rights of tribal people as per the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, 2006. Besides, the company has been asked to provide fishing facility to the fishermen community of Noliasahi and ensure that no damage is caused to the flora and fauna of the area.

POSCO India needs 4004 acres of land for its steel project out of which 2900 acres constitute forest land.

(Sourced from Business Standard)