KOCHI: It has been three years since the residents of Moolampilly were forcefully evicted from their homes, done away using earth movers. Only a few days are left for the commissioning of the Vallarpadom International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), but the government has not implemented the rehabilitation package offered to them.
The government had forcefully evicted 326 families, including 22 from the Moolampilly island for constructing the four-lane national highway which connects the terminal area to Kalamassery. The Moolampilly evictees coordination committee leaders said that the rehabilitation package has not been implemented yet. “Of the displaced families, only 299 were found eligible for rehabilitation by the government. Besides, the government has not provided the basic amenities on the land identified for the
rehabilitation. Two years ago, the Chief Minister had promised the evictees that road, water and electricity would be provided to the land in three months. Now the government says that there is lack of funds,’’ said Francis Kalathunkal, convener of the coordination committee.
He said that a protest week will be observed from February 5 to 11. In addition, various dignitaries including bishops representing the world council of churches, will visit Moolampilly during this period. “Protest meetings will also be held in all districts and the video of forceful eviction will be screened for the public,” Francis said.