LDF Walkout Over Alleged Irregularities in Election Commission For Realtors

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M)-led LDF opposition on Wednesday staged a walkout in Kerala Assembly alleging irregularities in giving Environment Clearance to a 27-storey building complex at a coastal village near here, even as government maintained that sanction was given following due procedures.

Replying to a notice seeking an adjournment motion moved by LDF Opposition members, Minister for Environment Thiruvanchour Radhakrishnan said as per records, clearance was given to the multi-purpose building complex in Adimalathura after examination of necessary documents.

The government had also prescribed six special conditions while giving permission for the building complex coming up at about 5.25 acres of land near Neyyatinkara in the district, Radhakrishnan said.

Specific instruction has been given to realtors of the project not to violate rules under the Coastal Regulation Management Zone Act, he said.

Seeking leave for a debate on the issue in view of its importance, V S Sunilkumar (CPI), alleged corruption in the project as the complex was being built in an place already termed as ecologically sensitive area.

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The regulatory agencies such as Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority, Kerala State Environment Impact Assessment Authority and Environment Apprisal Committee had violated rules and procedures while giving clearance to the project, he alleged.

Sunilkumar also alleged that the project was being sanctioned because it was being promoted by a person "close to a Congress leader."

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After the reply of Radhakrishnan, Speaker G Karthikeyan rejected the motion leading to protest by LDF members and walkout.

The Assembly also witnessed noisy scenes when Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan made certain remarks against Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in connection with the project.

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Achuthanandan wanted a comprehensive probe into the deal and demanded action against officials who were responsible for giving sanction to the project "in violation of rules."