GAIL pipe work enters final leg in Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: The gas pipeline project of the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has made big strides in Malappuram district during the  past few months  overcoming the years of  resistance from the public.  

The pipe-laying works are  in the final stages. Of the 58.5-km stretch  that passes through the district, 32 km  has  already been completed. Nine different units are busy with the work  across the district. The pipe-welding for 42 km  has also been completed.

The district administration has distributed a compensation of Rs 15 crore to  the land owners for the loss of agricultural crops in the acquired land.  The administration said in a press release that the compensation for the land  would be distributed on a war-footing after the completion of the remaining works in the district. The compensation would be determined as per the market value of the land, which has been fixed at  10 times the renewed fare value. The land owners having only 10 cents of land or below will be provided an additional fixed compensation of Rs 5 lakh.

The 58.54-km leg of the 310-km Kochi-Managlore pipeline in Malappuram  passes  through 14 villages across Valanchery, Edayur, Irimbliyam, Marakkara, Ponmala, Kodur, Pookottur, Pulpatta, Kavanoor, Areekode and Keezhuparamba panchayats and Malappuram and Manjeri municipalities. The GAIL  has acquired the land with 20-metre width along the stretch. The pipes are being laid in 10-metre area and the remaining 10-metre-wide land will be allowed for cultivation.    Due to the public  protest during the past five years, the  project was stalled in the district.  Due to the government’s efforts last year, the  GAIL could begin the works in November. It  is expected to be commissioned in October this year.