THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Putting an end to uncertainties, the preliminary works of the second phase development of NH 66 stretching from Pravachambalam to Vazhimukku of the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila stretch gained momentum as the verification of the documents of the land owners is underway at the Office of NH (Land Acquisition).
The verification of documents, including the title deeds and related documents, is expected to be completed by Monday. The development of the second phase - Pravachambalam to Vazhimukku stretch - was stuck for quite sometime after some of the land owners and traders raised objection to the price fixed by the district-level purchase committee for giving compensation.
According to an official attached to the PWD NH wing, the verification of documents was progressing at full pace on Monday. “After the verification process, a few more steps remain to release the compensation as we need to cross-check all the documents once again. However, the compensation payment from Pravachambalam to Kodinada in Balaramapuram is likely to be released in a couple of weeks,” said an official who preferred anonymity.
More than 95 per cent of the land owners have given their consent letters after approving the amount. The price was fixed in four categories - Rs 14.25 lakh per cent for Class A category, Rs 12.60 lakh for Class B, Rs 11.90 lakh for Class C and Rs 10 lakh for Class D. However, this fair value of the land was changed by the government a few months ago by reducing it by Rs 2 lakh per cent. Later, the government revised the fair value again, by increasing it by Rs 1 lakh a cent following requests from building and owners’ association and residents.
The verification of documents of the land owners with the survey numbers 1 to 644 is over. The land owners were also given a time period till November 28 to raise objections, if any. Similarly, the land of the owners who failed to furnish the documents would be acquired through legal action, sources said. Meanwhile, the district administration will hold talks with the traders of Balaramapuram for the viability in constructing an underpass at Balaramapuram Junction in a bid to reduce the traffic bottlenecks.