India: Dhinkia villagers continue longstanding protest of JSW steel project alleging forced land acquisition, livelihood destruction & police repression in favour of corporate interests
In Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, Dhinkia village has become the epicenter of resistance against a proposed 13.2 million tonnes per annum steel plant by JSW Utkal Steel. The land much of which was originally acquired by the government for a failed project by South Korean steelmaker Posco. While villagers rely on betel vineyards and other agricultural activities for their livelihoods, the government’s push to allocate this land to JSW has sparked widespread protests.
Tensions escalated on January 14, 2022, when police cracked down on villagers resisting the demolition of their betel vineyards, leaving over 20 injured, including women and children. Since then, police have maintained a heavy presence in the area, allegedly harassing villagers with night raids and arbitrary arrests. Activists and human rights groups have criticized the Odisha government’s handling of the situation, labeling the forced acquisition as a violation of constitutional rights and environmental laws. They have also raised concerns about the lack of proper clearances and the long-term environmental impact of the project.
The situation has drawn national attention, with human rights organizations, political leaders, and local activists condemning the violence and demanding the withdrawal of police forces, the release of arrested protest leaders, and a halt to the project.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) reached out to JSW Utkal Steel regarding the allegations of forced land acquisition, livelihood destruction, and police repression, however the company did not respond.