UDF MPs and MLAs to stage sit-in against ‘delay’ in Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass project in Kerala

Alleging that the Central and State governments are “jointly” trying to sabotage the Angamaly-Kundannoor Bypass project, United Democratic Front (UDF) MLAs and MPs from Kerala are set to stage a sit-in protest.

The bypass, which is being constructed from Karayamparambu in Angamaly to Kundannoor, is expected to ease the traffic congestion on the national highway in Ernakulam district.

The protest will be led by MPs Benny Behanan, Hibi Eden, Francis George, and MLAs K. Babu, Roji M. John, Anwar Sadath, Eldhose P. Kunnappillil, and Anoop Jacob.

Despite meetings, suggestions and interventions, including hiring of additional staff, the State and the Central government machinery could not complete the necessary procedures in a timely fashion, said Mr. Behanan, adding that this situation had forced the MPs, MLAs, and local government representatives to “go on strike.”

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala will inaugurate the protest. The UDF MPs, MLAs and people’s representatives from the area where the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass passes will participate.

The Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass project is in limbo as the final notification has not been issued. The 3D notification was supposed to be issued before August 29. Since this was not done, the 3A notification has become invalid. Now, the 3A notification will have to be issued again, the leaders alleged in a press release.

It further stated that landowners in 18 villages are in dire straits due to the authorities’ “dereliction of duty”. With the cancellation of the notification after the completion of the stone-laying, many landowners who will have to relocate houses are worried of losing the advance they had given to buy another plot.

The 44.7-km bypass is being constructed from Karayamparamba in Angamaly to Kundannoor.

Despite the issuance of the 3A notification, the government failed to carry out the statutory duties, including the land survey process, according to the release.

The government could only finish all the steps, including surveying, for just about 160 acres of land of the 750 acres of land which should have been acquired for the project. This is not sufficient to issue a 3D final notification, it said.