Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Dec 18: The long-expected work of laying pipeline to transport LPG from Kochi to Mangaluru via Kuttanad is gaining momentum now after being in the back-burner for long. This project is being executed by Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL).
The issue of land acquisition for the project had caused lot of heartburn in Dakshina Kannada district. A meeting of land owners who will lose their lands because of the execution of this project will be held here on December 22. The meeting is expected to decide whether the farmers will yield and agree to allow use of their lands for the project or whether the land owners will insist on laying the pipeline along the seashore. The pipeline, which is expected to initially supply natural gas to Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers here, will cover 16 villages in Bantwal and Mangaluru taluks. In course of time, GAIL says, this pipeline can be used to supply gas to houses and other establishments by building separate units and laying pipeline for the same.
Former deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district, Dr K G Jagadeesh, had sought a report about whether it will create problems if the gas is transported through pipes laid on seashore. A committee of experts from National Institute of Technology (Karnataka), revenue department, and local leaders had been formed to prepare a report on this issue. It is said that the committee members, who met ten days back, tried to convince local leaders that laying of pipeline along the seashore is a daunting task.
The gas pipeline, length of which is 450 km, had got clearance from central government in 2007, and work on the project is progressing briskly in Kerala at a fast pace in spite of resistance from locals. The pipeline will enter Karnataka near Sharada Ganapati Primary School in Kairangala village in Bantwal taluk. Originally, this project was expected to be completed in 2013. About 800 farmers will be losing their agricultural land for this pipeline.
But the land owners want the pipeline to be laid by the side of the sea. Alternatively, they are seeking thrice the market rate for the land they would be sacrificing for the project. Local leaders said that the decision that will be taken in the presence of people who will be losing their land will be final. The stand the deputy commissioner will take will also be crucial.
Land to an extent of 60 feet is acquired all through the pipeline. After laying the pipe, the land can be used by owners for growing vegetables etc barring bringing permanent structures over it and using it for other permanent agriculture, GAIL has said.