Airport Land Acquisition: Erumely on the Radar

The Kerala government has intensified land acquisition efforts for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield International Airport in Erumely. As part of the process, a Special Tehsildar office will be established in either Erumely or Kanjirappally to coordinate and manage the acquisition activities.

A detailed land survey is currently being prepared by the General Land Acquisition Tehsildar’s office under the Revenue Department. To facilitate the process, the department has requested 60 staff members to commence the survey next month.

According to a government order issued under Section 11(1) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 1,001.873 hectares (approximately 2,475.68 acres) of land will be acquired in the Erumely South and Manimala villages. This includes the 2,263-acre Cheruvally Estate, presently owned by the Ayana Charitable Trust, which is affiliated with the Believers Eastern Church. A preliminary boundary survey has been completed, and a comprehensive survey to determine compensation and valuation is underway.

Residents will be notified in advance, and factors such as land type (e.g., agricultural, fallow), existing structures, trees, and road access will be considered when determining compensation. Notices regarding the acquisition have already been published in the State Gazette and local newspapers.

In accordance with Section 19(1) of the LARR Act, a rehabilitation and resettlement package will be implemented for workers currently employed at the Cheruvally Estate. The government may proceed with land acquisition by depositing compensation amounts with the court, pending the resolution of any ownership disputes.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.