Work gained momentum at the proposed site for Posco's controversial Rs 52,000-crore steel plant project in Orissa's Jagatsinghpur district today with the cooperation of local residents.

"Eleven teams were engaged for work at Gadakujanga, Noliasahi and Polanga areas in the proposed Posco project site with the cooperation and support of villagers," additional district magistrate (Paradip), Sarojkanta Choudhury said.

Felling of trees and clearing of forest area and acquired betel-vine farms were continuing in Gadakujanga and adjoining areas, official sources said, adding ground levelling work was also in progress.

In Polanga-Noliasahi area of Nuagaon panchayat, where rehabilitation colony for displaced people was proposed to be constructed, sand filling and other civil works were in progress, Choudhury said.

Base measurement of betel vines was also being carried out which would help in fixation of exact amount of compensation to land losers, the ADM said.

Work had resumed at the project site yesterday after remaining stalled for ten days. It had come to a halt after villagers and activists of the United Action Committee (UAC), an outfit backing the mega project, staged dharna, demanding immediate fulfilment of their six-point demands including enhanced compensation to land losers and proper rehabilitation.

Following talks with the district authorities on July 1, the UAC leaders agreed to cooperate and allow work in about 1,800 acre land already acquired for the mega greenfield steel project, sources said.

Around 300 police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during project-related work at the Posco site near the port town of Paradip, the ADM said.

As work gained pace, the villagers suggested the district administration to change the site for the rehabilitation colony as the place chosen for the purpose at Noliasahi had been submerged with 35-feet sea water, sources said, adding there was, however, no opposition to the project.

Meanwhile, protesting resumption of work in the area, a group of people under the banner of Bhitamati Surakshya Manch (BSM) continued their dharna at Nuagoan.

"We will not allow any type of work in our area," Bhaskar Swain, Sarpanch of Nuagaon panchayat said.

Similarly, at Dhinkia, considered the epicentre of anti-Posco protests, Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samitti (PPSS) continued its dharna with a three-tier human chain.

The district administration was in a fix as to how to break the chain as it comprised children at the forefront followed by old women and youths who were guarding the areas in Dhinkia panchayat round-the-clock by erecting wooden gates at different entry points.

Gadakujanga, Nuagaon and Dhinkia are three gram panchayats in Jagatsinghpur district chosen for setting up the Posco plant by South Korean steel major.