PARADIP: NOTWITHSTANDING protests from various quarters, the State Government started land acquisition today in Gadakujang panchayat for the proposed Rs 51,000-crore Posco steel project in Jagatsinghpur district.

Rohit Behera and Basant Behera of Bhuyianpal village were among the first to receive cheques for Rs 1.15 lakh each for their over 10 decimal land used for cultivation of betel vine.