Members of the ‘Federation for Affected Residents, Labourers, Traders Welfare Association, Thuvakudi to Old Palpannai' observed a day-long fast on Tuesday, opposing acquisition of 50 feet land on either side of the four-lane stretch, for the purpose of laying service lanes.
“The Federation is not opposed to service lanes. But, acquisition of 50 feet land on either side was unwarranted as it would cause large-scale demolition of commercial establishments and residential structures, leading to denial of source of livelihood for many. For a service lane, the requirement does not exceed 15 feet,” M. Tamilchelvam, president, Kattur Vyabarigal Kootamaippu, said.
Stating that the Federation has been told by the NHAI authorities that 50 feet land on either side was required for future expansion, Mr. Tamilchelvam cautioned that the demolition of existing commercial complexes and buildings will cause loss of revenue to the State government.
While the State government has allocated Rs.84 crore for land acquisition, the actual loss to the trading community, going by the current guideline values of land and construction costs, would amount to Rs.1,500 crore, M.Noor Mohamed who runs a construction company said.
Speakers at the hunger demonstration sought to reason out that the proposals for a bypass road that would link Thuvakudi with Jeeyapuram on the Karur road on one side, and with the Chennai Highway on the other would enable diversion of heavy vehicles.
The traders requested the Chief Minister to ensure speedy implementation of the bypass road projects.
