The government and the Opposition resolved in the Assembly on Thursday to mount pressure on the Centre to expedite the widening of National Highway 66, between Kasaragod and Kaliyikkavila, and collectively brave attempts by vested interests to thwart land acquisition.
V.D. Satheesan, who gave notice for an adjournment motion on public concerns about the unscientific alignment, junction development, and compensation package for those surrendering land, said the government should clear the air regarding the confusion over land acquisition, rehabilitation, and resettlement. Junction development and alignment at certain places had come in for criticism.
Instances of those who had given land for a a paltry compensation being forced to part with their remaining resources again needed to be addressed.
He also sought clarity on the compensation.
‘Resources not enough’
Public Works Minister G. Sudhakaran said the works had been expedited and compensation was being awarded in line with the Central Act framed in 2013. Though the State had issued an order for higher compensation in 2017, the government did not have the resources to award more money to those surrendering land. It was mounting pressure on the Centre to pay compensation at the rates fixed by the State, he said, and alleged that the Centre was going slow on the entire work.
More money sought
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarified that the government was seeking an enhanced compensation, but the State could ill afford to spend more in this regard. He also offered to clear the doubts in this regard.
The Opposition accepted the government clarification and agreed to strive jointly to complete the work in time.
