16-05-2025
Land verification starts for ArcelorMittal's plant in Kendrapada
Kendrapada: Kendrapada district administration started land verification work (LVW) to acquire 383 acres for ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel's (AM/NS) proposed steel plant in Badatubi village under Mahakalapada block.
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The verification process follows the state govt's notification issued last Dec under the
and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The land acquisition marks the first phase of the Rs 1.02 lakh crore project to establish a 24 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel plant.
"We are identifying rightful landowners by examining official records, including record of rights, title deeds, and encumbrance certificates," said Kuini Jena, land acquisition officer-cum- deputy collector.
The process involves revenue inspectors, amins, tehsildar, and panchayat body members.
The project, announced during chief minister Naveen Patnaik's Japan visit in April 2023, is set to become the world's largest steel plant, surpassing Posco's 23 MTPA facility in South Korea. Executive chairman Lakshmi Niwas Mittal visited the proposed site in Aug 2021.
However, the project has received mixed reactions from locals.
"The pollution from existing industrial units in Paradip has already affected our health. We oppose this new plant," said Parikhita Mandal, a resident.
Rabindranath Manna, a farmer, expressed concerns about losing traditional livelihoods dependent on rice, betel vines, and fishing. Meanwhile, Bharat Haldar welcomed the development, hoping it would improve infrastructure in the remote village.
Some residents, like Arakhita Sardar, support the project but demand higher compensation, suggesting Rs 50 lakh per acre. The administration assures fair compensation for displaced villagers, with plans for additional land acquisition in subsequent phases.
