Decision pending on direct purchase of land in Ayyankuzhi for Kerala waste management project

A decision on whether to acquire 9.40 acres in Ayyankuzhi, Vadavucode-Puthencruz panchayat — where 45 families are caught between the central public sector units Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL) — under the Land Acquisition Act or through direct purchase, remains pending.

The families have long demanded acquisition, citing a Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) report that declared the area unfit for habitation.

Towards the end of its tenure, the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had conceded to the demand and decided to acquire the land for a comprehensive waste treatment plant under the Kerala State Waste Management Project (KSWMP), aided by the World Bank.

Last month, district collector G. Priyanka announced that the land would be handed over to KSWMP at the earliest.

The government had initially opted for direct purchase by negotiating with the affected families to avoid delays, cost overruns, and prolonged litigation over compensation. However, it has now emerged that the file rests with the Land Acquisition section of the district administration, and a final call on whether to proceed with direct purchase or acquisition under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act is yet to be taken.

“A decision will be taken based on the report from the Land Acquisition section. While acquisition through the direct purchase route will be swift, it would be more protracted under the Land Acquisition Act,” district administration sources said.

The families had vacated their homes on the plot last year, following a fire outbreak in the 220 kV underground electric cables passing through the BPCL campus in their neighbourhood on July 8, 2025. Since then, they have been living in rented accommodations.

Meanwhile, a team led by the deputy collector (disaster management) inspected the site earlier this week on the direction of the State Human Rights Commission issued on a petition by the affected families.

The petition reiterated that the land was unfit for habitation, citing the KSPCB study that categorised the area as a “red zone.”

A report broadly affirming that finding will be submitted to the Commission at its next sitting scheduled for July 14.