At least for the present, the people of Odisha has been able to stop the land acquisition by the state government for the steel project of the Multi National Company, POSCO. After the central government gave eco clearance, the state government has been in a hurry to acquire the agricultural and forest land on which the local people depend for their existence. The people has been organising sustained struggle and blockading the police and other authorities from entering the area for acquisition. Police lathi charged and used force, but the people were determined to save their land.
As a result, the state government has for the present, postponed the acquisition. But unless there is continued vigilance and struggle, the government which is waiting for a reprieve will restart again.