Tension over HSRC land survey

In spite of the district administration trying to allay people’s fears about the land survey of the high speed rail corridor (HSRC), many Janakeeya Samithis (JS) are being formed opposing the project in the city.

The Janakeeya Samithis  are being formed by the residents of Poonithura and Thrikkakara, where the initial land survey has been completed for the project.

Former corporation opposition leader and the chairman of the Janakeeya Samithi in Poonithura A B Sabu told ‘City Express ‘ that they have constituted Janakeeya Samithi as  they do not believe in the assurances of the district administration. “Though the land alignment has not been finalised for the project, tensions are high among the people in the area. It is a thickly populated area. Already, we have to surrender our land for the Kochi Metro Rail and Coastal high-way. We cannot afford another land acquisition for the project,” Sabhu said.

He also added that the Samithi has planned to arrange a mass convention for discussing the issues concerning the project. “It has come to our notice that the project is not useful to common man. After the mass convention, followed by taking advice from experts, we will be submitting a memorandum to the district administration. Moreover, we will oppose all land acquisitions in the area,” he added.

Even Janakeeya Samithi members of Thrikkara reiterated that the assurance given by the district administration that they would spare houses, and heavily populated areas was not to be believed. “In the initial stages, the project won’t seem to be a threat. However, during the implementation stage, things will change. That is why we had to constitute JS to oppose the project,” said a JS member in Thrikkakara.

Meanwhile District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth said awareness would be provided to the people about the project. “However, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is yet to submit the feasibility report to the government. The land issues of the people can only be considered after the feasibility report is submitted,” he said.

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