CM stands by Aranmula airport plan

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has made it clear that there will be no change in the pro-Aranmula airport stand of the state government. He also made it clear that the notification on excess land in the area envisaged for the project is only ‘technical’ and will be rectified.Replying to media queries at a post Cabinet briefing on whether the state government is still for retaining its share in the airport project, Chandy said on Wednesday that all the clearances regarding the Aranmula airport in  the private sector was given by the former LDF government.
“It was only followed by the present government. We stand by all measures initiated by the previous government,” he said.When pointed out that 222 acres of land earmarked for the airport and in the possession of KGS Group, the promoters of the airport, was taken over as excess land by the Taluk Land Board recently, the Chief Minister asserted that it was only technical. “It will be rectified soon,” he insisted.It is notable that the Chief Minister’s announcement comes amid a relief among those opposing the project, including environmentalists in the Aranmula region. It has become certain now that the government support for the project will continue and agitations will increase.
http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/CM-stands-by-Aranmula-airport-plan/2013/05/09/article1581290.ece