Govt to set up land bank : Minister

Kochi, Apr 28 (UNI) With several new developmental projects expected to come up in the state, the Kerala government is planning to set up a land bank to facilitate easy availability of sites, State Revenue Minister K P Rajendran said today.

Addressing a gathering, after handing over title deeds at a function here, Mr Rajendran said land would be acquired keeping in mind the projected development needs of the state for the next 25 years, including road widening and railways.

He said the government was planning to set up offices and shopping complexes on a joint venture and build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis with KINFRA, Power Finance Corporation and Tourism Finance Corporation.

Later, talking to reporters, the Minister said the government suspected the hand of foreign mafia behind the illegal land grabbing in the state.

A thorough investigation would be conducted in the matter and strict action would be taken against the culprits, he added.

UNI