In a significant development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has made a crucial decision: to acquire land and homes in the Kunnyoramala area, located near Koyilandy in Kozhikode. This move comes as the region’s terrain has become alarmingly susceptible to dangerous mudslides, putting local communities at great risk.
This much-anticipated action by the NHAI was prompted by a direct order from the Chief Minister’s office, following a powerful petition spearheaded by Sumathi K.M., Chairperson of the Kunnyoramala Samyuktha Samara Samithi, and backed by Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil. For the local residents, who have tirelessly campaigned for years over the looming threat to their homes and properties, this announcement brings immense relief. Their lives had been upended, and their land rendered unstable, by extensive excavations carried out during the construction of National Highway 66.
Kunnyoramala is situated along the Vengalam–Azhiyur section of NH-66, a critical infrastructure project overseen by M/s Azhiyur-Vengalam Road Pvt Ltd. This particular segment, bypassing the existing road and Koyilandy town, stretches between Chemancheri and Nandi Bazaar. Due to the challenging hilly topography, the construction involved a complex process of alternating between extensive deep cuts and significant embankments to achieve the required road level.
Tragically, shortly after these ambitious excavations commenced, severe issues began to surface. Land in multiple locations started to cave in, imperiling houses and plots positioned on both sides of the newly constructed road. Many frightened families were forced to abandon their homes, living in constant fear of collapse. It was this dire situation that galvanized the community to form the Kunnyoramala Samyuktha Samara Samithi, uniting to demand that the NHAI acquire their now-unsafe land, asserting that it was no longer viable for habitation.
Their unwavering efforts paid off. Following sustained and fervent protests, Ms. Sumathi and Mr. Shafi Parambil received an official letter from NHAI Project Director Prashant Dubey. The letter unequivocally confirmed that land parcels on both sides of the highway near Kunnyoramala would indeed be acquired. This acquisition is specifically aimed at undertaking vital slope protection works, with any further land acquisition to be determined by revised plans and on-site necessities.
Initially, the NHAI had resisted calls for further land acquisition. However, as the protests gained momentum and public pressure mounted, the project director and other senior officials conducted a thorough inspection of the site, which led to a re-evaluation of the situation. The issue was also elevated to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, by the diligent MP, ultimately leading to this pivotal shift in the authority’s position.