Maoist hindering land acquisition for Tata steel project:Raman

JAMSHEDPUR: Chhatisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday said Maoists are hindering acquisition of land for Tata Steel's proposed five million tonne integrated greenfield steel plant in the state.

Singh, who is here to campaign for the BJP for the coming Jharkhand assembly elections, said ultra-left outfits were inciting villagers against parting with their land for the project.

Tata Steel requires 1,800 acres for the first phase of the proposed plant, which will be set up in two phases at a cost of Rs 19000 crore.

Singh, however, said at a press conference that the situation had improved and 80 per cent compensation to villagers had been disbursed.

He hoped the required land would be acquired soon by the government to facilitate an early start of the project.