The United Democratic Front (UDF) has called a hartal in three Idukki panchayats on Saturday against the government’s stance on construction works on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH-85).
UDF leaders said a hartal would be observed in Adimaly, Vellathooval, and Pallivasal panchayats on Saturday.
Dean Kuriakose, MP, said the Kerala High Court on Friday issued an order staying the road-widening works on the 14.5-km Neriamangalam, Valara, and Adimaly stretch, which is at the intersection of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway.
Mr. Kuriakose said the court issued the order based on a petition of the Idukki-based environmentalist M.N. Jayachandran. He alleged that the Forest department and the government were supporting Mr. Jayachandran, who was a BJP leader.
According to Mr. Kuriakose, road development on the Neriamangalam route was the main demand of the people in the district. “The High Court in May 2024 ordered that the Forest Department should not interfere with the construction works of the road. Now, the construction activities on the stretch have been blocked in another way,” said Mr. Kuriakose.
Idukki Land Freedom Movement convener Dias Pullan alleged that the Additional Chief Secretary had filed an affidavit before the High Court in the case, stating that the area was forest land. “The affidavit was submitted on behalf of the Chief Secretary. The State government is responsible for the court verdict,” he said.
“The Forest department was behind environmental organisations filing a case in the High Court to block road construction works,” said Mr. Pullan.
Published – July 11, 2025 08:40 pm IST
