Now Reading: NH 66 rules may affect lakhs across Kerala
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NH 66 rules may affect lakhs across Kerala
The Supreme Court’s revised interim limits for construction along national highways could affect lakhs of people across nine Kerala districts, Mathrubhumi reports. Houses would be barred within 40 metres of a highway’s…
The Story in Brief
The Supreme Court’s revised interim limits for construction along national highways could affect lakhs of people across nine Kerala districts, Mathrubhumi reports. Houses would be barred within 40 metres of a highway’s centre line and commercial buildings within 75 metres. Existing structures would also face review, while businesses in the restricted area would need National Highways Authority of India approval to renew licences.
The order comes as Kerala rebuilds NH 66 into a 45-metre, six-lane road. The project has acquired 1,079.66 hectares and demolished 27,035 structures. If enforced, another 35 metres on each side could be protected, affecting nearly 2,500 hectares. The Supreme Court will consider the matter again on August 17.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that the order automatically means fresh demolition or acquisition go beyond what is known. The report says the Union notification and treatment of affected land are still unclear. Yet residents who already lost land and rebuilt partially damaged structures face real uncertainty, especially over building numbers, taxes and business licences. The next notification should clearly state whether existing homes can remain and who will bear the cost of any further restrictions.
Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
