KOLLAM: The Central Government’s stipulation on 80 metres clearance for constructions alongside the National Highway is a blow for the developmental prospects of the State. This move will jeopardize roadside dwellers in Kerala which has a high urban population density. Besides, NH widening will continue to test the patience of residents as it has been for the last 40 years. The acquisition of 1400 more acres along Thalappadi in Kasargode to Kazhakkoottam in Thiruvananthapuram is still pending.
“We had already anticipated the move to implement this clearance earlier. Like in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh where express roads are constructed through deserted land, it is not practical in densely populated Kerala. This would badly affect the life of the common man. The backbone of Kerala’s culture are the developments along the sides of the national highway. Lakhs of small scale vendors will have to abandon the place,” Abdul Azeez, highway action forum state patron, told DC. “This is an absurd decision. The National Highway Authority will virtually destroy the State,” he added.
Meanwhile, in compliance with the current alignment, nearly 1482 acres of land is yet to be acquired along Thalappadi in Kasargode to Kazhakkoottam in Thiruvananthapuram. Of this, only 32 kilometres of road along Chalakkudy to Edappally has been completed. The construction of the road in 45 meters after acquiring the land will require massive amounts of construction materials, one load metal for a metre of road. “Even if the Western Ghats are completely crushed into metal pieces, it won’t be sufficient for the construction of 564 kilometres of road,” Mr. Azeez added.
The National Highways Authority has already acquired 30 metres of land nearly four decades back. According to the forum, 30.5 metres of land is sufficient for constructing a 6-lane road with a median of 3 metres and footpath of 3.75 metres on either sides. Meanwhile the move to acquire 45 metres width will displace over 24 lakh people and 1.5 lakh business establishments along the sides of the highway, it alleged.
