NH development: Kerala govt to hold all-party meeting

The Kerala government today agreed to hold an all-party meeting in the wake of protests over the land acquisition for the development of national highway in Malappuram district.

Public Works Department minister G Sudharakan told the Assembly that the disputes were related only with an eight km of land between Kuttippuram-Valanchery stretch. The LDF government was ready to hold discussions with the concerned parties to address the the issues.

He said the priority of the government was not to displace mosques, temples and other places of worship and 'khabarstans' (burial grounds) for the NH development and ensure maximum compensation for those who would lose land, houses and other properties.

As many as 32 houses would be affected in the area while changes were made in the alignment to protect two places of worship, he said.

He was replying to a notice for the adjournment motion KNA Khader (IUML) over the issues related to land acquisition for the development of national highway in the state, especially in Malappuram.

The northern Malappuram district recently witnessed a series of protests against the acquisition of land for the development of National Highway 66.

"The government has no problem in holding an all-party meeting to settle the issues. We can take a decision in this regard after consulting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Viajyan," Sudhakaran said.

He said district collectors, National Highway Authority officials, panchayat presidents and local MLAs would make more effective interactions with local people to get them a clear picture about the compensation package.

Khader said the opposition was not against national highways but the lack of clarity regarding compensation had triggered widespread concern among local people against the land acquisition.

He urged the government to take maximum land under its possession for the NH development before taking over private property.

Changes should be made in the alignment in the places where it was necessary, he said, adding, besides maximum compensation, a rehabilitation package should also be announced for those who will lose their livelihood and homes.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said the development initiatives should be implemented after taking people into confidence but the government was trying to suppress people's protest with an 'iron fist'.

As the PWD minister agreed to hold an all-party meeting to address the concerns of the public and people's representatives, the opposition agreed to cooperate with the business of the house.