MALAPPURAM: The gas pipeline project of the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has made big strides in Malappuram district during the past few months overcoming the years of resistance from the public.
The pipe-laying works are in the final stages. Of the 58.5-km stretch that passes through the district, 32 km has already been completed. Nine different units are busy with the work across the district. The pipe-welding for 42 km has also been completed.
The district administration has distributed a compensation of Rs 15 crore to the land owners for the loss of agricultural crops in the acquired land. The administration said in a press release that the compensation for the land would be distributed on a war-footing after the completion of the remaining works in the district. The compensation would be determined as per the market value of the land, which has been fixed at 10 times the renewed fare value. The land owners having only 10 cents of land or below will be provided an additional fixed compensation of Rs 5 lakh.
The 58.54-km leg of the 310-km Kochi-Managlore pipeline in Malappuram passes through 14 villages across Valanchery, Edayur, Irimbliyam, Marakkara, Ponmala, Kodur, Pookottur, Pulpatta, Kavanoor, Areekode and Keezhuparamba panchayats and Malappuram and Manjeri municipalities. The GAIL has acquired the land with 20-metre width along the stretch. The pipes are being laid in 10-metre area and the remaining 10-metre-wide land will be allowed for cultivation. Due to the public protest during the past five years, the project was stalled in the district. Due to the government’s efforts last year, the GAIL could begin the works in November. It is expected to be commissioned in October this year.
