Kasargod: Places of Worship will Be Preserved During NH Widening - Minister
Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (RD)
Kasargod, Feb 3: “The national highway will be developed preserving the sanctity of worship centers,” clarified state public works minister V K Ibrahim Kunhi.
Addressing media persons at circuit house after attending a programme here on Thursday February 2, he said that in other states the highway has been extended by 60 metres, but keeping in view the situation in Kerala, it has been limited to 45 metres. There is no question of compromising on this, he said.
“However, in any circumstances, the state will not change its decision, and the national highway authority of India (NHAI) has also given its nod. Other states across the nation will also demand such changes,” added Kunhi.
“In case of worship centers that come in the way of developing the national highway, the same will be reviewed before any drastic decision is taken,” replied Kunhi to a query from the media persons.
He also clarified about awarding compensation to shops that will be razed for highway work.
MLAs N A Nellikunnu, P B Abdul Razak, K Kunhiraman Uduma, and E Chandrashekaran were present on the occasion.
It may be recalled that on January 24, a massive protest was staged by religious leaders and public against the threat to Kanipura Gopalkrishna Kshetra posed by the widening of the national highway.