United Nations independent human rights experts have urged that the construction of a $12 billion mega steel plant in Odisha in eastern India by the South Korean steel giant POSCO should be halted immediately, citing serious human rights concerns. The project reportedly threatens to displace over 22,000 people in the Jagatsinghpur District and disrupt the livelihoods of many thousands more in the surrounding area.
The UN panel said that the construction of the steel plant and port in Odisha must not proceed as planned without ensuring adequate safeguards and guaranteeing that the rights of the thousands of people are respected.
POSCO's steel project in Odisha is India's biggest single direct foreign investment. POSCO has acquired land and made progress in securing a mining license, but has yet to get environmental clearances.