KOCHI: The residents and traders of Marottichode area and the Thrikkakara, Edappally, Marottichode, Thoppil (TEMT) Development Forum are planning to intensify their stir against the proposed road from Edapally Toll to NH Bypass.The proposed 900-m road, which connects Edappally toll and passes through Marottichode to a point near the Oberon Mall on the NH bypass with a small stretch of flyover, is said to be part of the NH bypass development plan of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The road is planned to overcome traffic hold-ups at junctions.But, the residents and shopkeepers of Marottichode said that most of the residents here lead a retired life and possess only 3-5 cents and have nowhere to go.“A month ago a few people came to conduct surveys. The survey has been conducted without notice. When we enquired, the panchayat officials said they are unaware of anything. We will oppose the project tooth and nail,” said Joseph, president of Paruthely-Marottichode Residents Association.“The government will give us pittance with which we cannot find a better place. Moreover, it is difficult for us to shift and adapt to a new place at this age,” said a resident. Meanwhile, TEMT Development Forum, along with residents association and traders, had held a protest meet a month ago when the land survey was held.“We are planning to intensify the stir. We will observe black day and hold a silent procession soon. We are also planning to submit a memorandum to Works Minister Ebrahim Kunju, Benny Behanan MLA and NHAI authorities,” said Gijo Chingamthara, forum general secretary and councillor. “Instead of constructing a new road at a cost of Rs 700 crore, it is cheaper and easier to build two flyovers at Edappally Junction, one on the Aluva-Ernakulam stretch and the other on the Vytilla-Guruvayur stretch,” said Jaleel Thaanath,” president of the forum.When asked, NHAI project director C T Abraham said: “Objection to land acquisition is natural. The estimate for the entire flyover project at Edappally, Palarivattom, Vyttila and Kundannor is Rs 1340 crore. The construction of two flyovers will be expensive as the toll would be very high. If the protests are strong, we will not be able to carry out development activities,” he said.
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