Government to proceed with Nandi-Chengottukavu bypass project

KOZHIKODE: The state government has decided to proceed with the Nandi-Chengottukavu bypass project by taking into confidence the protesting people. A meeting convened by the district collector with the elected representatives of Koyilandy region has decided to discuss the issue with the protesting people and to evolve a compensation package. According to sources, there is virtually no possibility of the authorities going back on the project or exploring alternatives.

“A meeting with the people who would be affected by the project will be convened soon. An appropriate package, considering the loss of land and other assets, would be finalized thereafter,” said the district collector, M.V Jose. The bypass road was proposed two decades back but was put on hold due to the stiff opposition from local residents. The proposed 11-km bypass road from Nandi to Chengottukavu was envisioned to ease traffic on NH-66. Though the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had given the green signal for the proposal, the revenue department had found it hard to convince people. 

“Acquirement of 11 km road in 45 metres will evict 2,000 families, five hills, hectares of paddy land, drinking water resources, Dalit colonies etc. This will be a massive eviction which could have a devastating impact on the environment,” says Divakaran Chalan, secretary of the Bypass Prathirodha Samiti. The Samiti’s proposal was to widen the existing NH-66 by constructing an elevated highway on the 2-km stretch of Koyilandy town to save heritage buildings.