The national highway (NH) development in the State might get a fillip with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan making it clear that the new government will not give in to pressure from groups which believe might is right.
The State’s attempt to make the national highways four-lane has not met with success with land acquisition becoming a stumbling block.
Addressing a reception accorded to him by the Malabar Chamber of Commerce here on Sunday, Mr. Vijayan said the State would not be able to achieve its projected developmental goals in the industrial sector without the realisation of the proposed road widening projects.
On the firm stance of the government to go ahead with widening the national highways to 45 metres, Mr. Vijayan said: “We will move into fast action in the area and appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the rehabilitation of people who may lose their land.”
According to Mr. Vijayan, the acquisition of land was a long-pending and unavoidable requirement in the State, which could not be given up in the name of regional interests and protests. “There will be proper intervention on the part of the government to protect the land holders, but the project will have to be realised at any cost for the prosperity of the State,” he pointed out.
Karipur airport
He said the government would proceed with land acquisition for the expansion of the Karipur airport. The Chief Minister made it clear that the government would not succumb to pressure regarding infrastructure development in the Malabar region.
Rehabilitation package
“The concerns of land holders in the area will be addressed, but land acquisition will not be delayed because of protest from certain corners. To finalise the steps, a meeting of senior civil aviation officers in the presence of the Malappuram District Collector will be convened soon,” Mr. Vijayan said.
The Chief Minister said there would be separate discussions with land holders in the area to understand their concerns and finalise a proper rehabilitation package suiting their demands and requirements.
“We have initiated all possible measures for a time-bound solution to the issue that has been hampering the airport development for long,” he said.
Gas pipeline project
Explaining the positive stance of the government towards the gas pipeline project, Mr. Vijayan said it was the need of the hour to fuel the future industrial requirements of the State.
“The safety concerns raised from some corners are not very serious, as similar issues might crop up even during the transportation of gas by road,” he said.
Reception committee chairman P.K. Ahmed welcomed the gathering.
Chief Minister says land acquisition for road widening is long-pending and unavoidable.
