The development of the domestic terminal of the
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has been causing a big headache to the
residents of Vallakadavu and Vayyamoola regions here, who fear eviction for
land acquisition.
On the 20 acres of
land, that is to be reportedly acquired, around 130 families reside. “Most of
the families have been living here for several years and they want to retain
their land than being given any compensation such as money or job,” said
Shajida Nazar, Vallakadavu ward councillor and Development Standing Committee
chairperson of the City Corporation.
In protest against
the eviction, a dawn-to-dusk hartal was observed at Vallakadavu and surrounding
areas the other day. Besides, under the aegis of the Vallakadavu-Vayyamoola
Joint Action Council, a ‘rights protection march’ was taken out from Asan
Square at Palayam to the Secretariat which saw the participation of hundreds of
people.
“Several years
ago, in the name of eviction, land belonging to the residents were acquired by
the airport authorities. We have submitted a memorandum in this regard to the
authorities concerned, including Chief Minister Oommen Chandy,” said N Vikraman
Nair, convenor of Vallakkadavu-Vayyamoola Joint Action Council.
Various cultural
organisations and political parties participated in the protest.
The action council
is also demanding that the move to demolish Kaniyankara Punnamoodu Devi Temple,
that falls under the proposed 20 acres of land, be dropped. “The temple is so
ancient that it has a history of eight centuries. Demolishing such an old
temple for airport development cannot be allowed,” added Vikraman Nair.
The other demands
of the action council include setting up of a drainage line so that coastal
areas, including Vallakadavu, shall benefit from the sewage treatment plant
coming up under the JNNURM project; reinforcement and reconstruction of the
bridges in the area; resuming the functioning of the Vallakadavu Boat Club;
opening of the Enchakkal KSRTC bus terminal; and rehabilitation of the people
living in the ‘puramboke’ land near the sewage farm under the Rajiv Awas Yojana
(RAY).
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