Rectify NH development proposal: T Arifali

Chavakkad: Solidarity NH development protest caravans culminated at Chavakkad traversing through the State in five days raising the slogan, “Develop the National Highway, Sell Not.” As part of culmination, a mammoth public gathering, which comprised of future victims of NH 17 development and local populace warmly welcomed the protest caravans headed from Trivandrum and Kasargod.

Inaugurating the concluding assemblage, T Arifali, Amir, Jamaat-e-Islami, Kerala required the government to rectify its decision to take over thousands of acres of land from common people in the pretext of NH development. The State government should refrain from blind and unreasonable following of anti-human approach of the Central government, Arifali proclaimed. As the followers of all political parties have so far lined up behind this struggle against NH development, it is high time for political leadership to make their comments on the issue.

National Highway is a public asset. But, the ongoing developmental activities can only be seen as a preplanned attempt to transfer large amount of land into the hands of realty goons and corporate companies. And consequently to privatise public highways, and besides that the government is providing 40% of total expense to private firms.

The proposed move to acquire 45 meter land for NH development is not necessary, especially in Kerala, the most dense populated state in India. The move to expand the NH , which can be made to four lane with 30 meter of land according to National Road Congress, will displace thousands of families. The government should rely upon more human and environmental friendly approaches in highway development, said Arifali.

P I Noushad, General Secretary of the Solidarity, who presided over the function wanted the government to implement necessary highway development projects in a people-friendly method. He assessed that the current high way development will end up in resulting the largest evacuation and worst corruption, which the State has never seen. As of now, primarily proposed alignment for the NH development has undergone a number of editing, according to the interests of big corporates and liquor-kings. A lot of by-bass roads are thus cut off, went on P I Noushad.

C R Neelakandan, E V Muhammadali, Sundhareshan Pillai, T L Santhosh, S Irshad, P Abdul Rahiman and captains of two caravans, P Mujeeb Rahman and K A Shafeeque spoke in the occasion. K V Razak, convenor of the caravans made the welcome address and K A Sadrudheen, Solidarity District President offered vote of thanks.

A public rally was conducted in Chavakkad town before the gathering. Thousands of people including the future victims of the NH development lined up in the rally, which commenced the flow from Mini Civil station and culminated at Vasantham Corner. Later, captains of two state caravans were accompanied to the podium for public assemblage. Leaders and activists of several struggle groups actively participated and appreciated the Solidarity's activities.