Jajpur: Many who have given their land to Mesco Kalinga Steel firm in Kalinganagar of Jajpur have been waiting for jobs and other benefits under the R&R policies of the state and central governments. On the other hand, the land acquired by the firm has remained unutilised while many others are waiting in queue for the precious resource in the area.
Sans jobs, they have been leading a miserable life. They say they can at least make a livelihood from the land if it is reclaimed.
Mesco Kalinga Steel plant was to be set up in Kalinganagar in 1996 with a target of producing 7 metric tonnes of hot rolled coil, wire rods and bar and light. About 1500 acres of land from Jakhapura to Rabana were acquired. About 100 farmers had to spare their land in Rabana and Jakhapura. They were provided Rs 37,000 per acre as compensation, but have for the past 22 years been awaiting resettlement and rehabilitation.
However, the steel plant was not set up there. It was rather set up at Manapur Gobindapur and commissioned in 1996. The steel firm has two iron ore mines in Joda.
Many of those who gave their land have died without getting jobs.
Meanwhile, 300 acres of the acquired land has been handed over to Jindal Stainless Steel. According to IDCO sources, a case is sub judice at the Supreme Court about the fate of remaining land.
Three years ago, 370 acres of land was handed over to Uttam Galva company on lease.
It is learnt that about 30 companies have applied for land in Kalinganagar, but were yet to get it.
Kalinganagar ADM Santosh Kumar Mishra said that the district administration is in the process of providing land to the companies which have applied.
“The administration will initiate discussion about how to utilise land acquired by Mesco Kalinga,” he added.
PNN