CM Oommen Chandy promises relook at landfill orders

KOCHI: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has tried to downplay the controversial orders permitting the reclamation of nearly 425 acres of paddy and wetland on Sunday by stating that the government will examine if there are any lapses in the orders. Speaking to reporters in Kochi Mr. Chandy said steps will be taken to rectify in case of any lapses in the government orders. “The government is having an open mind in the matter”.    

Granting permission to set up a tourism project in Methran Kayal near Kumarakom comprising nearly 378 acres and a hospital complex in 47 acres at Tharyanthurthu in Kadamakkudy has created huge controversy in the state with green activists, opposition party leaders and KPCC president VM Sudheeran raising objections against the projects.    

Mr. Chandy however said that the previous LDF government has given in-principle clearance to the tourism project at Methran Kayal project. The LDF leaders, now raising objections against the project, are concealing this fact, he said. Mr. Chandy has also said that Sudheeran has brought the matter into the attention of the government.       

PCC president Sudheeran meanwhile has formally asked the government to withdraw the orders. He also pointed that the decision taken without consulting the party is contrary to the recommendations made by the sub-committee headed by KPCC vice-president V. D. Satheesan. He said controversial decisions like this should be avoided at the time of elections.    

CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said that the government decision is yet another instance of corruption involving millions of rupees as kickbacks. CPM leader Thomas Isaac has said that revenue department has cleared around 200 files beneficial to the land mafia in an emergency manner. He said the decisions taken during the last three cabinet meetings will have to be examined in detail.