Kerala shelves controversial Aranmula IT and mega electronics cluster over wetland concerns

Pathanamthitta: The Kerala government has decided to step back from the proposed IT project in Aranmula after examining a report submitted by the Pathanamthitta District Collector. The project, a proposed mega electronics cluster, had sparked controversy from the outset.

The plan involved developing an IT park and an integrated business township on land that had earlier been identified for the now-shelved Aranmula airport project. The KGS Group had approached the government seeking reclassification of the land to establish the IT park and had floated a separate company for the purpose.

The proposal was submitted to the IT Department through a joint venture company, TOFL Pathanamthitta Infra Limited, formed in association with the government. The company claimed the project would attract an investment of ₹70,000 crore and generate employment for around 10,000 people.

The IT Department had sought clearances from the Industries Department and the Agriculture Department. While the IT and Industries Departments were reportedly inclined to proceed, CPI Ministers — particularly Agriculture Minister P Prasad — publicly opposed the project.

The Agriculture Department had pointed out that the area was completely submerged during the 2018 floods and warned that permitting such a project there could lead to serious environmental consequences. Differences of opinion over the proposal were also raised during a Cabinet meeting.

Despite this, the IT and Industries Departments had initially decided to move forward. However, widespread complaints followed, prompting the District Collector to conduct a site inspection and prepare a report. The government found itself unable to take a unilateral decision overriding the findings of that report.

According to the Collector’s assessment, of the 139 hectares identified by the company for the project, only 16 hectares constitute dry land. The remaining area consists of paddy fields and wetlands, which cannot legally be filled or reclaimed.

Based on these findings, the government has withdrawn from the project. The Agriculture Department clarified that wetlands cannot be allocated for such purposes, citing the provisions of the 2008 Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, which prohibit the conversion of such land.