Mumbai: Tata Steel has started acquiring land for its proposed titanium-dioxide project at Sattankulam and Tiruchendur talukas in Tuticorin district, a press release issued by the district collector said.

Even as the controversy over Tata Steel''s titanium dioxide project rages on, the company has obtained copies of documents relating to 100 acres from patta holders. Tata Steel has also signed agreements for acquiring 10 acres of land, seven at Arasur- II and three at Kulasekarapattinam at a cost of Rs90,000 per acre as these lands have vegetation with water facility, R Palaniandi, district collector of Tuticorin, said in the press release.

Tata Steel has set a target of procuring 1,000 acres by the end of this year to start setting up the desalination plant and a factory, he said, adding that the process began late August on the suggestion of the district administration.

Palaniyandi said the conglomerate was permitted to deal with the 7,538 patta holders directly. He said the district administration would help the project promoters by categorising the lands into, (1) land with vegetation and irrigational facility, (2) land with vegetation without wells and (3) barren land.

''''Following this and based on the guideline value of the land, the project promoter would offer compensation for those land owners willing to part with their land.''''

Interestingly, chief minister M Karunanidhi had given an assurance that the project would be shelved till a panel heard the views of the villagers.
also see : Other reports on Tata Steel