The statement of the KGS International Airport Limited that it will file a review petition challenging the dismissal of its appeal by the Supreme Court amply displayed the arrogance of a “neo money power attained through unholy means”, Binoy Viswam, Communist Party of India leader and former Forest Minister, has alleged.
The appeal of the firm in the Supreme Court was against the National Green Tribunal order setting aside the environment clearance for the proposed Aranmula airport project.
Talking to The Hindu , Mr Viswam said that the KGS managing director’s statement very well reflected the impudence of this neo rich class who did not have any respect for the laws of the land, the common people’s concern, and the environment.
Rejected project“The Aranmula Airport project was first rejected by the people, then by the National Green Tribunal, and now by the Supreme Court of India. Ironically, the private company which had managed to obtain certain clearances for the anti-environment and anti-people project, in violation of various key laws, still sticks to its persistent stand that it will go ahead with the project. This is nothing but a challenge and threat to India’s time-tested judicial and democratic system,’’ Mr Viswam alleged.
The CPI leader alleged that the private airport company was banking on the unconditional and illegitimate support of the United Democratic Front government in the State, the local MP, and the MLA.
Mr. Viswam alleged that the State government had been making efforts to circumvent the laws to protect the interests of the private company on several occasions.
Open statementThe Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister openly stated that the government would give 52 acres of government land, comprising roads, streams, and ponds, at Aranmula to the controversial airport company.
There were also reports of the government exerting pressure on the Taluk Land Board for a decision favouring the company with regard to the 232 acres of disputed land in its possession, Mr Viswam alleged.
Call to clarify standMr Viswam said that the national and the State leadership of the Congress party should clarify their stand on the Aranmula airport issue with out any further delay.
The silence on the part of the KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran, who was part of the people’s movement against the controversial Aranmula Airport, earlier, too was sceptical, he said.