Pinarayi Vijayan on Aranmula project: Let files move, we'll take a rational call
T'puram/Kottayam: Chief minister
on Saturday sought to distance himself from the ongoing administrative processing of a new industrial project proposed on the now-defunct Aranmula airport land.
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He stated the files were moving "without his knowledge" and that no final decision was taken yet.
"Files may be moving, but not with my knowledge. Let them move — we will examine and take a rational decision," Vijayan told reporters when asked about the Rs 600-crore electronics manufacturing cluster proposed by a private firm linked to the original promoters of the airport project.
"I'm not aware of this project. I'm not against any project, but decisions can be made only after proper examination," he said, indicating that the project has not yet received political clearance.
The CM's comments come amid mounting questions on whether the same LDF govt that scrapped the Aranmula airport project in 2016 — citing its location on paddy and wetland — was now considering a fresh project on the very same 335.25-acre plot.
Make it a reality: P'thitta MP
Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony urged the state govt to make the project a reality. The Congress functionary said the project would lead to a comprehensive development of the district and its adjoining regions.
He also termed the project the biggest in the district, with an investment of Rs 5,000 crore, providing jobs for thousands.
"The project is being implemented as a joint venture between Centre and the state govt. If it becomes a reality, it will be a great relief for the people of Pathanamthitta who migrate for work," the MP said.
Instead of welcoming a project that will provide employment opportunities to the new generation, pseudo-environmentalists are trying to destroy it, he said.
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