Fresh notification to cover only 120 hectares

Acquisition only for essential purposes: Chief Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to annul the notification issued for acquisition of land for the Vizhinjam International Transhipment Terminal and issue fresh notification covering only 120 hectares.

The move to acquire more than 1,000 hectares for the project had resulted in public protests.

Briefing the media on the Cabinet decisions, Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan said that the land was to be acquired only for essential facilities such as roads and rail connections, work yard and work area.

The Chief Minister recalled that the acquisition was proposed on the basis of the report prepared by the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO). Following complaints, a committee headed by the Chief Secretary had been asked to look into the matter. The Cabinet took the decisions on the basis of its recommendations.

Probe by Collector

Mr. Achuthanandan said the District Collector would be asked to inquire into the alleged conspiracy behind the violence at the factory of English India Clays at the Kinfra Park at Kazhakoottam. (The violence had led to police lathicharge and firing.)


He also announced that the government would acquire 260 acres at Veyloor village in Thiruvananthapuram district on fast-track basis for setting up a life sciences park.

Temple takeover

Replying to a question, the Chief Minister said the government would decide on takeover of Padmanabha Swamy Temple after examining the nature of court order in the matter. The government was to act as per the court directives.

Acquisition was proposed on the basis of KITCO report

Panel headed by Chief Secretary recommended de-notification

Source: The hindu