No matter, a section of pro-Left activists patronising anti-Posco elements in coastal districts of Jagatsinghpur in eastern Indian States of Orissa, but having strong faith on the State Government, the South Korean Steel Giant Posco, is all set to start its project. The confidence of the company was significant following the recent violence leading to the cancellation of much-hyped groundbreaking ceremony, which was slated for April 1, Utkal Diwas, the foundation Day of Orissa State.

It is reported that POSCO has accepted 6-month delay in starting construction of its proposed USD 12 billion steel plant in Orissa delayed to late September or early October 2008 from earlier committed date of April 1 2008. The proposed plant has been left hanging for more than 2 years due to stiff opposition from local farmers angry over losing their land for the project. It is also waiting for clearance from the Supreme Court for the use of about 2,900 acres of Government held forestland.

In an Interview with Orissadiary.com's Anurjay Dhal, Posco India, Spokesman Shahank Patnaik however expressed positive outcome in coming days for the company.

Orissadiary: Posco in trouble since the company signed the MOU with Orissa Govt, isn't it?

Shahank Patnaik: The project is behind schedule by two years. Any mega project of this magnitude is subject to these bottlenecks. These kinds of hurdles have been a good learning experience for us. We are happy to receive co-operation from Government of Orissa as well as Government of India, in terms of obtaining necessary statutory clearances. Our project is monitored regularly at the apex level. We are also receiving good support from the local people as well, which is evident from the recent successful completion of Socio economic survey and land demarcation work. We feel, our project is moving in the right direction.

Orissadiary: How you plan to defend the political opposition to Jagatsinghpur project ?

Shahank Patnaik: We are trying to take all the stakeholders into confidence by convincing them about the merits of the project particularly how the local community can gain from this project in terms making their livelihood better that before. We are a reputed company of the world and have always grown together with the community. We are communicating through all possible means with the objective of reaching out to all the stakeholders. Once we mange to convince them, the deck will be clear for this project to roll out.

Orissadiary: Communist Party of India in its 20th Party Congress at Hyderabad has passed a political resolution seeking cancellation of MOU. How you plan to over come the anti-industry lobby like the Left Forces?

Shahank Patnaik: As far as we know they too support Industrialization. Persuasion will prevail in terms clearing inhibitions in the long run. We respect the stand of one and all. We are putting forth our case as effectively as possible before the people. People are the best judge of their future. Since the people of the area openly support this project, we are confident and determined to make this project happen.

Orissadiary: Is support from Orissa Govt till not enough to stabilize tension in Jagatsinghpur ?

Shahank Patnaik: We are religiously monitoring the project with the Government of Orissa at the district as well as at state level. Government of Orissa is also making sincere efforts for this project. We also feel that "Persuasion" is the right approach to make this project happen which of course is a time consuming process. All need to be patient and that is exactly what we are doing at the moment.