Protest against powerline condemned

Pathanamthitta, May 16 (UNI) The ongoing survey by the Power Grid Corporation of India to draw overhead high tension 400 KV power transmission line from Koodamkulam atomic energy project in Tamil Nadu to Madakkathara sub-station in Thrissur is nothing but a ''conspiracy against the common man,'' according to the action committee against the powerline.

Committee office-bearers P R Prasad and Jyothishkumar Malayalapuzha told a press conference here today that the proposed line passing through highly populated and fertile land would destroy thousands of hectares of crop land, scores of houses and institutions.

They suggested an alternative route from Udumalpet to Thrissur so as to avoid densely populated areas.

The Committee alleged a conspiracy hatched by big companies to pocket crores of rupees as profit. It termed the modalities of the survey as unscientific.

The proposed transmission line can be laid from Palani to Thrissur via Pollachy and Valppara. Yet another route can go through the forests of Aryankavu, Thenmala and Konni.

The proposed route mainly cuts through extensive area of paddy fields necessitating increased number of towers. It is estimated that cement worth Rs 50 Crore will be needed to fix towers benefiting big cement factories.

Under the banner of the action committee, groups of people erased the land survey markings at various places, they said.

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