Site clearance for NH bypass stretch nearing completion.

The site clearance for the widening of the National Highway-66 bypass stretch from Mukkola to Karode in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border is nearing completion.

The removal of trees, vegetation and other waste materials along the 16.5-km stretch is ‘70 per cent complete’, thereby paving way for the development of the second reach of the bypass.

The 24-month engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for four-laning of the stretch, which the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) awarded to L&T Construction, came into effect on June 15.

“The site has been prepared and handed over to the contractor for commencing the four-laning work without further delay.

We hope to prevent obstacles hindering the progress of the work as had been witnessed during various phases of the ongoing development of the first reach from Kazhakuttam-Mukkola,” an official said.

As opposed to the initial reach, the task of removing trees along the stretch is expected to be less complicated.

While a major portion of the land required for the second phase had been acquired from private individuals, they were purchased along with the land.

It was only in the areas that came under the Kottukal village that the NHAI has had to seek the permission of the Forest Department for the removal of over 2,000 tress. The Social Forestry wing has conducted a survey of existing trees and has provided the go-ahead for their removal.

The stretch also passed through the villages of Kanjiramkulam, Thirupuram, Chenkal and Karode.

The ongoing activity of site clearance is likely to be completed within two weeks. The process of land acquisition for the second reach is in the final phase.

The required land is being acquired from as many as 1,769 individuals.

THE HINDU