Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan has hailed the verdict of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cancelling the environmental clearance for the Aranmula airport project.
A pressnote quoting him said here on Wednesday that the verdict was recognition of the popular sentiments against the project and a blow for the UDF government headed by Oommen Chandy that had gone out of its way to support the promoters, KGS Group.
“It is also a strong warning to corporate forces and the land mafia seeking to make profit by reclaiming wetlands and paddy fields as well as a call to the public to maintain vigil against such moves,” he said.
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Mr. Achuthanandan urged the government to desist from making amendments to the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetlands Act in the light of the NGT order.
The CPI State council said the NGT order had dealt a hard blow to the State government that had not only turned a blind eye to the brazen violation of laws by the promoter, but also decided to pick up stakes in the project. The council said the verdict was recognition of the protracted agitation against the project by Left organisations and environment groups.
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