The Kerala government has approved the acquisition of 230 acres of land at an estimated cost of ₹810 crore for development activities related to the Vizhinjam International Seaport, a statement from the Chief Minister’s office said.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday. The land, spread across Kottukal, Maranallur, and Amaravila, will be acquired under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013.
Of the total cost, ₹283.68 crore will be drawn from the Plan Scheme Treasury Saving Bank (PSTSB) account of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. The remaining amount will be funded through an already approved loan from NABARD, the cabinet decided.
The cabinet also authorized VISL to carry out all port-led industrialization activities on the acquired land.
In a separate initiative, the cabinet approved the formulation of a policy to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of street children in the state. This move comes in response to a 2022 Supreme Court order emphasizing the protection of street children. The policy will include providing identity documents and other measures to safeguard their health, safety, and overall well-being.
