Execution of High Court order on Aranmula may be delayed

Railways put conditions for removal of earth from Aranmula Puncha

Restoration of the illegally converted Karimaramthodu, a stream flowing into the Pampa at Aranmula, to its original state on the basis of an order of the Kerala High Court is likely to be delayed.

According to District Collector S. Harikishore, a survey conducted by the Revenue Department here a few days ago found illegal conversion of the stream in an area of 13.78 ha. The survey team had demarcated the boundaries of the stream from where earth has to be removed.

Meanwhile, a team from the Railways headed by an executive engineer visited the site and has agreed to take the earth from there for rail-doubling work.

The Collector told The Hindu that the team had placed certain conditions for removing earth from Aranmula Puncha. The engineer was of the view that the district administration should obtain permission from the KGS company, promoters of proposed airport at Aranmula, for the movement of earthmovers and trucks through its property. The engineer said the excavation work could be carried out only after the ongoing monsoon season.

The engineer said the Railways required only 10,000 truck-loads of earth, whereas the total earth to be removed from the site for restoring the natural stream would be around 25,000 truck-loads.

Exemption sought

Mr. Harikishore said the administration had fixed royalty of Rs.40 a cubic metre of earth, besides Rs.117 a cubic metre towards its price. However, the Railways sought exemption from paying royalty and earth price, citing a similar case in Alappuzha in which the government had exempted it from paying royalty.

The Railways further sought an assurance from the Collector that the local people will not create any problem for the free movement of

trucks and other vehicles along the village road, he said.

The Collector said the KGS company had approached him, claiming that they were the affected party and hence they should be heard before taking a final decision. He said the company was asked to appear for a hearing on Wednesday.

As per the High Court order, restoration of the natural stream should be completed by July 26, which is unlikely to materialise in the given context.