Rs 14,063 crore package for Karipur land acquisition

MALAPPURAM: The government has announced a package of Rs 14,063 crore for the land acquisition and rehabilitation of evictees for Calicut International Airport. The government would pay Rs 3 to 10 lakh a cent by its market value, and it would be handed over at the time of registration, local governments minister K.T. Jaleel said at a meeting he chaired at the district collectorate on Tuesday.

Some 100 landowners have come forward to so far, and the procedures would start with it. Those who lose their houses will get a special payout. A 100-acre township with all infrastructural amenities will accommodate them. “The second phase land acquisition for the airport will also cater to the future developmental needs. The protection of the airport which was growing faster in the past in the need of all,” the minister said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other concerned ministers would soon visit the area. Mr Jaleel was designated last month to supervise the land acquisition procedures. Agreeing to the demand of residents and anti-eviction forum, he said, a technical advisory committee would be appointed to study the environmental impact before going ahead with the second phase land acquisition.

The panel would also examine how much land it requires for the development against the prerequisite of the Airport Authority of India. The committee will also review the cost of filling the 150-feet deep area. The meeting agreed to most of their demands. “Now we have to wait and see the outcome of all the promises,” said Chukkan Bichu, leader of the forum.   Legislators, the district collector, and members of civic bodies and airport and revenue officials also took part.