KAKKANAD: It’s more than a year since they surrendered their land for the Smart City project, but the four families living near the project site have neither got compensation nor have they been rehabilitated.
Though the government earmarked `4.65 lakh as compensation for the 19 cents of land marked to be acquired from the families, and issued an order to despatch it a year ago, they are yet to receive it.
Aasiya, a 65-year old widow, who has been struggling with the government procedures and her three children received a ‘land allotting letter’ for the plot of land at Edachira from the then Collector Sheik Pareeth in 2013.
As per the order the land value should be remitted to the families within 30 days from the date of receiving the order. But even after a year, the government has done nothing.
“We have informed the matter to the District Collector and the revenue officials concerned and they directed the Smart City people to distribute the compensation. But when I approached the Smart City CEO, he put the responsibility on Infopark authorities. And they too did not consider my request,” said Salim, the eldest son of Aasiya.
The family also surrendered their title deed to the district administration before receiving the ‘order of assignment on registry.’ “For getting the title deed of the allotted land we have surrendered the documents to the village officer.
The condition of the building is turning worse each day. How can we stay here with our family,” asked Salim.
The political leaders and other organisations have not intervened to help out the family. MLA V P Sajeendran has not paid a visit to the spot and is yet to listen to their problems, family sources said.
“People are laughing at our plight. It is difficult to live here as the stench from the Brahmapuram plant is unbearable. It has affected our children who fall sick always,” said Aasiya.
When contacted, District Collector M G Rajamanickam said that necessary action would be initiated. “I will look into it seriously and take necessary action,” he said.