Kerala's Coastal Highway Project Faces Opposition Scrutiny

The Opposition Congress in Kerala has urged the Left government to halt the coastal highway project, citing lack of scientific planning, displacement of coastal communities, and potential flood risks. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan criticized the government's approach and demanded reconsideration, emphasizing the need for a detailed project report.

The Opposition Congress in Kerala has called upon the Left government to withdraw from the ongoing coastal highway project, alleging a lack of scientific planning that could displace coastal communities.

In a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan urged the government to reconsider its decision, claiming the project was initiated without a detailed project report (DPR).

Satheesan highlighted unresolved issues faced by the fishing community from the Vizhinjam International transshipment seaport project and questioned the necessity of a coastal highway when NH 66 runs through the coastal areas. He warned that coastal communities cannot afford further evictions.

Satheesan criticized the absence of socio-economic and environmental impact studies and cautioned that the proposed road could lead to floods. He submitted suggestions from a UDF team studying the project.

(With inputs from agencies.)