Title - Protestors block metro survey works

While Kochi is on a high after the Union Cabinet issued its nod for the Kochi Metro Rail, agitations are also on the rise against the project.

On Wednesday, the Vyttila-Petta Road agitation committee blocked the Public Works Department (PWD) officials, who were carrying out land survey for acquisition, at Vyttila junction.

 The agitators pointed out that the survey is being carried out without any official confirmation about the road alignment.

 Following the protests, the team of PWD officials comprising executive engineer Hashim, Tripunithura section assistant engineer Aniroopa and overseer Joy returned without undertaking the survey.

 The agitators pointed out there is lack of communication from the part of the officials.

 Vagueness persists regarding the road alignment through the Vyttila-Petta stretch, said Corporation former Opposition leader A B Sabu.

 “Six months ago, we had a meeting with District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth, Thrikkakara MLA Benny Behanan and Kochi Metro Rail managing director Tom Jose. During the meeting they had agreed for an alignment of 26 metre, instead of 30 metre. Now without any official communication, the PWD officials have come to acquire 30 metres of land,” he said.

 The agitators further demanded that they should be given proper rehabilitation package and official assurance about the 26-metre alignment.

 “The authorities concerned are yet to talk about the rehabilitation package. We must be given a assurance about the rehabilitation of residents near Champakkara fish market and Petta Warehousing godown,” he said.

 Meanwhile, Thrikkakara MLA Benny Behanan said the district administration would convene a meeting with the residents.

“In the meeting we will convince the people about the alignment.The meeting will also take decision about the rehabilitation package,” he said.