THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The survey work for the national highway widening in Malappuram will continue uninterrupted and the alignment suggested by the local population will be considered, said PWD Minister K Sudhakaran. Addressing the media after an all-party meeting convened here on Wednesday to reach a consensus on the acquisition of land in Malappuram for widening of the National Highway 66, Sudhakaran said the NHAI will be requested to consider the alignment suggested by the public. “Survey will be conducted at places including A R Nagar according to the two alignments.
Heeding to the guidelines of the NHAI, the alignment posing least damage would be ratified,” he said. Sudhakaran tried to allay the fear of the public saying the survey should not be feared as it’s just a procedure to assess the damages that’ll be incurred by the landowners. Malappuram District Collector Amit Meena has been entrusted with the task of informing the natives of the damages they will incur. The state government had planned to acquire 243.9 hectares for widening the 76.6 km highway stretch. But the survey met with a stiff opposition at Valiyaparamb.
The survey was halted in A R Nagar after a street brawl erupted between the police and the protesters. Sudhakaran said compensation will be provided not just for the acquired property, but also for houses, shops and other facilities on the land. It will be as per the National Highways Act of 2013. K T Jaleel, Minister for Local Self Government, P K Kunhalikutty MP, local MLA, NHAI officers and political party leaders took part.