The survey for the proposed National Highway widening plan is likely to be delayed further, thanks to resistance from some landowners in Vadakara Taluk. Though the deadline for the survey ends on August 31, Revenue squads assigned to complete the work are faced with staunch opposition from landholders in the project area.
Action committee leaders affirmed that they would not let the Revenue squads to proceed with the survey and acquisition work unless the government declared a solid rehabilitation package and compensation for evictees. A large number of women and children also joined the local protests.
An action committee member from Vadakara said landholders were not against any development plan provided they got proper compensation for the extent of land taken over for the project and a reasonable rehabilitation package for the families evicted. “So far, the authorities have taken no concrete decision on the compensation package. Even the Vadakara Taluk Development Committee had recently brought the matter to the attention of the government,” he added.
Along with local landholders, the management committee of a mosque at Kunhippally near Chombal too has opposed the survey of the land that includes a Khaber Sthan (burial ground). Incidentally, an attempt by Sub Collector K. Gopalakrishnan and his team to begin the survey work in the area last Friday was foiled by some mosque committee members. The Revenue Department team had to leave the spot and report the matter to the State government.
Similarly, a seven-member Revenue squad that reached Onchiyam for survey work last Monday too was prevented by protestors from going ahead with the process. Meanwhile, action committee leaders hinted that the Revenue squad’s move to enlist the support of the police to proceed with the acquisition process would never materialise with the brewing public protest. “The district administration should be ready to hold discussions with landowners and brief them about the compensation package rather than creating a smokescreen,” they said.
