Malappuram: GAIL draws survey to a close

Malappuram: The Gas Authority of India Limited  has almost completed the preliminary survey to lay the pipeline  in the district amid protests from local residents.  GAIL officials have said that no building or house  would be razed  for the project.  The land acquisition was completed in 2014 under the Right of User (RoU) basis through a gazette notification by the government of India.  Out of 58 km  identified RoU land area with 20-metre width in the district, the GAIL and revenue authorities have completed preliminary survey in 28-km stretch during the past two months. The state government had restricted the RoU land area to 10-metre width in December 2012 due to protests  from the local residents.

“We couldn’t find even a single permanent structure or house along the 28-km stretch surveyed in Tirur and Perinthalmanna taluks. We hope that the remaining stretch would also be the same because it is already identified land. The survey will be completed  within a few days,”  Mr N.S. Prasad, chief construction manager of GAIL, said. “Most of the concerns raised by the local residents were baseless and they have been misled with false information by some groups. Queries are welcome and we will clarify everything,” he said.  

The purpose of the ongoing survey was to assess the compensation payable to the land owners and to confirm that no dwelling houses fall  under the notified RoU land area. The competent authority appointed by the government of India would finalise crop compensation for the entire 20-metre RoU and land compensation for 10-metre RoU areas. After completion of the pipeline laying activities, the restrictions mentioned in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline Act, 1962 would be limited to 10 metres only.

“The High Court of Kerala had upheld the validity of the RoU land area and clarified that GAIL should conduct works within the notified area only. This will  be complied with by the company,”  Mr Shanmuga Pillai, law manager of GAIL, said.

GAIL has taken possession  of land identified for the proposed sectionalising valve (SV) stations at Kattipparuthi and Narukara villages. The government has approved the negotiated purchase of private lands at Kodur and Areakode villages for the other two SV stations in the district. 

The tendering for award of pipeline laying contract is in the advanced stage  and work is expected to commence soon, GAIL officials said.