THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move that could lead to major controversies, the government has decided to construct the proposed Sabarimala airport at the Cheruvally Harrisons Estate at Kanjirappally. The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the recommendations of a four-member committee led by Revenue Secretary P H Kurian in this regard.
While abandoning the Aranmula airport project - a proposal pursued by the Oommen Chandy Government - Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had announced the decision to build an airport for the convenience of Sabarimala pilgrims. Following that, a four-member committee had been appointed to identify a suitable site for the project.
The estate - sold to Believers Church by Harrisons Plantations - has an area of 2,263 acres and is adjacent to two national highways and five Public Works Department roads.
The proposed site is 48 km from the Sabarimala hill shrine and 113 km from Kochi. Though the Cabinet has decided to go ahead with the project at Cheruvally, it may not be easy as the land is under dispute and a case is pending before the High Court.
The government is of the view the sale between Harrisons Plantations and Believers Church is not valid.
The move has already kicked up a row. Senior Congress leader and former Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash has termed it a loss for Pathanamthitta while BJP leader M T Ramesh has alleged a hidden move to compensate the land value.