Date:08/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/01/08/stories/2007010804221500.htm

Back Kerala plea to review HC order on Vallarpadam

Our Bureau

Kochi , Jan. 7

The State Government has moved the High Court with an appeal to review the order of the court directing authorities to examine the viability of the Vallarpadam project.

In an affidavit filed before the court, the Ernakulam District Collector, Mr A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, said the project is a time-bound one and any delay in proceeding with the project might cause serious hardship. The court order is causing incalculable damage to the project as a whole, he said.

The Collector pointed out that the rail connectivity and road connectivity are prerequisites for implementing the transhipment project at Vallarpadam. The project if comes through, will give a boost to the economy of the State.

IN-DEPTH STUDY

He submitted that in-depth study was conducted and various deliberations were also held before finalising the second alignment as part of providing rail connectivity to the project site. The second alignment is proceeded with after considering the feasibility and viability of the project, he added.

Moreover, the Southern Railways considered the viability of alignment through a Preliminary Engineering and Traffic Survey (PETS) study in 2003. The Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd had also conducted a detailed study and submitted a report recommending the alignment.

Thereafter the State Government had issued notification under section 4 (1) of the Land Acquisition Act for proceeding with the second alignment, the Collector said in the affidavit.

PETITIONS

A division bench of the court had directed the landowners, who challenged the land acquisition for the rail link to the proposed Vallarpadam project, to file an application seeking to examine the viability of the project before the authorities concerned. The court had also observed that before starting the project, the authorities would examine the viability of the project in the light of the contentions made by the petitioners.

The Collector also submitted before the court that the High Level Appellate Committee conclusively decided to accept the second alignment and to proceed with the construction of rail connectivity for the project after considering all the relevant facts and circumstances.