October 16, 2008

UAC agrees to meet government on POSCO issue

SNS reported that the socio economic survey for the proposed POSCO steel plant, which had a stuttered start after a two year long delay, is likely to resume soon.

As per report, the United Action Committee, a group formed by villagers, has agreed to hold a meeting with the state government on issues raised in connection with the rehabilitation package and resumption of the survey work. An UAC member said that "We are prepared to meet the government any day after January 30th 2008, with a clear 3 day notice."

Another UAC member Mr Nirvaya Samantray stated that the committee will meet after it receives the notice for a meeting with the government and chalk out details of what more is needed in terms of rehabilitation etc. He added that "Each and every aspect needs to be clarified before resumption of the survey work."

It may be noted that the socio economic survey which had started after a two year delay came to an abrupt halt just two days after the start, when some of the UAC members expressed doubts over the rehabilitation package and certain remarks made by an officer of POSCO. The survey work has been stopped for 20 days and repeated efforts to hold meetings and discussions with UAC members have failed with only faction leaders of the UAC turning up for such meetings.

Importantly, the district authorities have been trying to explain to the UAC that it is just not possible to work out every detail, compensation costs etc unless the basic survey is done. But some of the UAC members are insisting on detailed rehabilitation, compensation etc prior to the survey.