TrivandrumLife>> After several years of delay, the National Highway Authority of India has finally issued notification for acquisition of land from the Kadambattukonam-Kazhakoottam stretch for the widening of the national highway from Cherthala to Thiruvananthapuram. However, the notification has excluded around 800 metres near the famous Thiruvarattukavu temple at Attingal.
The 3 (D) notification was issued after completing survey of land required for widening of 29-km from Kadambattukonam to Kazhakoottam. With the 3 (D) notification, NHAI and district administration will be gearing up for evaluation of buildings and finalisation of compensation for land. Following this, 3 (G) notification for awarding compensation will be issued. The 3 (A) notification announcing plan to acquire 93 hectars of land was issued in February this year.
Sources in NHAI said that land in around 800 metre stretch was excluded at Attingal due to the protest and legal issues against acquiring land belonging to the temple. There was a public protest over the acquisition where portion of walkway, Pattupura, elephant shelter etc will be razed down for the work. Thiruvarattukavu temple, which owns the family temple (Paradevatha) status of erstwhile Travancore royal family, has great historic significance. Meanwhile, sources in NHAI said that the remaining land in the area will be acquired soon after clearing legal hurdles.
As the status of the stretch has reached the 3 (D) stage, the NHAI will start proceedings for tendering for the four-lane widening of the portion.
JS
Jisha Surya is a media professional with over a decade of experience in various media houses including The New Indian Express and Times of India. She covers city infrastructure, social issues, and lifestyle stories.
