KOZHIKODE: As the inland waterway, a project jointly being implemented by the Central and state governments gets on track, pressure by locals is also mounting. Locals fear that their land will get divided for promoting tourism and development.
A convention of all-party members is planned locally and NGOs have come forward offering support to it. They claim that the government was trying to upset the status quo in populous places. Why was the government intent on inland waterways when it could be built through the coastal area of the state.
The Human Rights Protection committee that joined the local protests, stated that the former Nayanar government had, in fact, agreed to the Coastal waterway project, which was viable for the state. "Around 40 years ago, the project was abandoned, considering the practical issues of the locals. Now, the canal works have almost reached Edachery in Kozhikode, and after that, would proceed to Mahe through Orkkatteri. Once it reaches Kannur district, the waterway passes through crowded areas and the people will have to be rehabilitated," said committee secretary E. Maneesh. A convention, bringing together all the protesters would be held soon.
