The Naveen Patnaik Government’s failure to help companies take possession of land has delayed implementation of 14 mega industrial projects.
Top representatives from Posco-India, Tata Steel, ArcelorMittal India Ltd, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, SSL Energy Ltd, Uttam Galva Steels Ltd, Essar Steel Orissa Ltd, Bhusan Power & Steel Ltd, Aditya Aluminium Ltd, Welspun Power & Steel Ltd, Vedanta Aluminium Ltd, Jindal India Thermal Power Ltd and Bhushan Steel Ltd attended the meeting.
The 14 projects had proposed investments of Rs 2 lakh crore but have invested Rs 21,031.71 crore only. Though 45,607 acres were required for the projects, the State Government had allotted them 14,131.90 acres till date.
Most companies have not been able to take possession of land for their respective projects primarily due to opposition from people living in the area who face displacement. The other issues were availability of water, supply of power, and rehabilitation and resettlement.
The Minister asked senior Government officials to resolve the problems facing the industries and also advised the companies to expedite land acquisition.