KANNUR: In yet another development in connection with the controversial Keezhattur bypass, the Centre has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to stop all activities regarding the 3D notification, related to acquisition, issued recently, bringing some relief to the camp of agitators and much cheer for the BJP leaders, who were trying hard to make an impact on the issue by using their clout in the national capital.
BJP sources claimed the order was issued as a result of the complaint submitted by national executive member P K Krishnadas to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. It had demanded cancellation of the 3D notification in light of the report submitted by a team of experts from the Union Ministry of Environment which corroborated the arguments of the agitators saying the project will affect the environment considerably.
BJP leaders to meet Keezhattur agitators in New Delhi next month
BJP leaders said the minister has agreed to meet the agitators in New Delhi next month and discuss the issue with them. They also said the government has informed them the report of the environment committee recommending the change of alignment will be implemented. The ministry will also consider the alignment issue at Thuruthi, where around 30 SC/ST families are facing evacuation threat.
The BJP will go to any extent to protect the paddy fields of Keezhattur from being destroyed under the cover of development, according to party leader P K Krishnadas. “It’s the state government which has the authority to acquire land for the project,” he said.
The latest notification was the result of undue pressure put by the state government on the National Highways Authority of India officers to protect the interest of the land mafia, which is playing a big role behind this project, he alleged. The BJP will not support any development activity which will affect the farmers and environment, he said.
It was Vayalkkilikal who started the agitation demanding the change of alignment to protect the paddy fields of Keezhattur while the BJP joined the fray in its later stages. The team of experts from the Union Ministry of Environment had visited the place in May to conduct a study about the environmental impact of the project.
In their report, they pointed out the fears of the agitators and farmers of the area regarding the project are true and also recommended a change of alignment should be considered to save the paddy fields. But the NHAI opted to ignore the report and acted in haste by issuing the 3D notification.
Even though the intervention of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has enlivened the spirits of the agitators, they have decided to move as per their plan to approach the High Court to make their case stronger, said a leader of the Keezhattur Aikyadardhya Samiti.