The state government has sanctioned Rs 2.21 crore from KIIFB fund to expedite the rehabilitation of families to be evicted for TS canal development project.
The rehabilitation of 36 families will be done at Rs 1.61 crore. The amount will be allotted via Kerala Waterways and Infrastructure Ltd. An amount of Rs 30 lakh each will be used for the rehabilitation of three additional families and to meet the rental and other expenses of 30 families.
The government had earlier given in-principle sanction to implement a rehabilitation package worth Rs 247.2 crore being implemented with KIIFB support. In the review meeting in March, considering the delay in allotting the amount from current fiscal’s plan fund, it was decided that the amount be allotted from KIIFB fund to complete the rehabilitation process immediately.
As part of the rehabilitation, three additional families currently residing between the arch bridge of Chilakoor and foot bridge of Thottipalam have been identified. They will be rehabilitated at Rs 30 lakh each. Another 30 families, who are yet to move out, will be given Rs 50,000 for rent and another Rs 50,000 for other expenses. The inland navigation director has placed a request for KIIFB fund for these expenses.
The government earlier gave administrative sanction for Rs 1.6 crore to rehabilitate 16 families as part of development of TS canal in Varkala.
The chief engineer (Kuttanad package and inland navigation) had informed the state government that the canal development in this region could be completed only if 16 families from Nadayara to small tunnel region were rehabilitated.
The fisheries department spent Rs 2.37 crore for registration of land and construction of houses for 47 families and the remaining amount was surrendered. Fisheries department placed a request for Rs 3.32 crore to complete the rehabilitation of 57 families recently and it was accepted.
