Jagatsinghpur: The increase in number of betel vines by the day in the proposed steel plant area of JSW in the district at a time when there is opposition to the project has put the administration in a spot.
According to sources, 629 betel vines were identified during the drone survey in the project area in Dhinkia and Gadakunja panchayats in June last year. But, during physical verification, 638 vines were detected in the area under Dhinkia panchayat alone by January 21.
While 483 betel vines in Dhinkia panchayat were demolished, 392 beneficiaries were paid financial compensation. Similarly, Ersama tehsil administration carried out measurement of 103 more betel vines during the land acquisition process by January 21. As many as 70 of those vines were demolished and compensation was paid to 59 beneficiaries.
The three-fold increase in the number of betel vines in Dhinkia village apparently due to compensation offer has put the administration in a spot.
It may be noted that a delegation of different political parties on Friday visited the project area to take stock of alleged police violence on villagers who were protesting against the project last week.
Similarly, members of AISF and AIYF staged a demonstration in front of Jagatsinghpur collector’s office demanding withdrawal of police force from JSW project site, judicial probe into alleged lathicharge on villagers, protection to the affected people and shifting the proposed plant to another place.
