Talks over Karipur airport issues soon

KOZHIKODE: Karipur Airport is integral part of the development of Malabar area and the government will not abandon it at any cost, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He said that the government will soon hold talks with stakeholders and will arrive at an amicable solution. Addressing a gathering, during a felicitation programme organised by Malabar Chamber of Commerce in the city on Sunday, he said Gail gas pipe line project is a must and is the safest way to carry gas compared to tankers.

He also made it clear that there will not be any compromise on the 45 metre criteria for National Highway widening and the work will go on in full swing. Addressing his first public meeting at Kozhikode as the Chief Minister, Mr Vijayan said that the government will do all things possible in Malabar's development.

"Malabar's underdevelopment is still a concern. An airport is an important part of development and we cannot kill a facility that we already have. Karipur functioned well in the past but the new criteria have brought some issues. We need to take care of the concerns raised by the people, but finally it is the interest of a state which matters more for a government that of a single man," he added.

Mr Vijayan said that growth of basic facility is a must for turning Kozhikode into an IT hub. Stressing the importance of the Gail pipe line, he said that gas pipeline project is an integral part of development and cannot be dropped.

“There are protests from many corners against the project. But we should understand that carrying gas via road is more dangerous. Gas pipelines have been are going through many thickly populated areas and we cannot say accidents have occurred in those places. “We need the co-operation from people in implementing it. We can use this pipeline project for producing electricity and use for many purposes," the Chief Minister said.