Batra said some 60 percent of the project land belonged to farmers while 40 percent was owned by the state government. The company is keen to commission the project by 2012.

Though Batra was hopeful that construction work would begin by the end of October, company sources said it would take more time as there was considerable opposition from local people who feel that pollution levels would increase. The area is already battling pollution from the dozens of sponge iron units operational in nearby Siltara industrial area.