Kozhikode:  The construction of the Greenfield National Highway in Kozhikode, aimed at easing congestion on the Palakkad-Kozhikode national highway, has become embroiled in a legal dispute even before construction commences. Problems have arisen due to the decision to reclaim a significant portion of the funds paid for land acquisition. More than Rs 20 crore is set to be reclaimed, leading several landowners to approach the High Court.

The acquisition of six kilometers of land in Kozhikode district for the 121-km-long six-lane highway is the root of these issues. A total of 28 hectares of land was acquired from 718 landowners between Pantheerankavu and Vazhakkad. In the first phase, Rs 188.7 crore was paid as compensation to 292 landowners. However, the project director of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), who allocated this amount, later demanded reductions twice. Subsequently, the Collector, acting as the arbitrator of land acquisition, initiated proceedings to inform the landowners about the reduction in land prices.

Price reduced due to comparison with Malappuram

The project director of NHAI reviewed the compensation after receiving complaints that landowners in Malappuram district did not receive the same compensation as those in Kozhikode. The re-examination is carried out after it was reviewed by officials like revenue inspector, deputy tehsildar, tehsildar, deputy collector, and finally the National Highway Project officer. Revenue officials noted that this comparison might impact land acquisition in other districts as well.

Already late by a year

The land acquisition process in Kozhikode, notified on April 6, 2022, initially proceeded swiftly with compensation paid to a section of landowners. However, progress stalled later on.

With the revision of the Basic Valuation Report (BVR) of the project, it has reached a situation where everything needs to be restarted. Plans are underway to compensate 426 landowners soon, after which the excess compensation will be recovered from those who received more than the revised valuation.