Bhubaneswar: South Korean ambassador Joon-Gyu Lee expressed his deep concern over the delay in proposed Posco project in Odisha’s Jagatsingpur district. He requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to expedite the project.

Mr Lee’s concern was obvious as the MoU was signed in 2005, almost 8 years ago. If Korean work progress will be compared with Indian style, they were very quick at everything.

However, he was hopeful for the early commencement of the project, which would boost the economy of Odisha providing livelihood to hundreds of villagers. He expected to that the project will come up this year.

At a meeting with Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday, Mr Lee wished to bring South Korea’s first woman president to Odisha to launch the mega project. Naveen made it clear that the state wanted a peaceful industrialisation. The recent death of three anti-Posco protesters created partial obstruction in the work.

The administration has resumed the land acquisition work on Sunday after a month. The government has acquired 200 acres land so far during four-day peaceful operation. At least 10 betel vines were destroyed at Gobindpur village, 30 trees were cut on Wednesday. The administration has given Rs 17.93 lakh as compensation to the farmers.

However, the land in Patana village of Dhinkia panchayat, which is the epicenter of anti-Posco agitation, will not be acquired.