Kerala Human Rights Commission Issues Directive on Coastal Highway Concerns
The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) of Kerala, under the leadership of Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas, has issued a significant directive regarding the proposed coastal highway project. On Monday, the commission instructed residents who have raised concerns about the project to formally submit their grievances in writing to the district collector. This move aims to streamline the process for addressing public objections and ensure that all complaints are documented through official channels.
Clarification on SHRC's Authority and Legal Pathways
In its order, the SHRC made a crucial clarification about its jurisdictional limits. The commission explicitly stated that it does not possess the authority to cancel or revoke any government notification that has already been published for the coastal highway project. This means that if official notifications regarding the project have been issued, the SHRC cannot intervene to halt them administratively.
Instead, the SHRC emphasized that any challenges to the validity of the project notification must be pursued through the appropriate legal avenues. This includes filing cases in the relevant courts of law, where the merits of the project and its notifications can be thoroughly examined. The commission's role, in this context, is to facilitate the collection and forwarding of public concerns rather than adjudicating on the project's legality.
Background and Report from PWD Secretary
The directive follows a complaint that highlighted the fears and objections voiced by coastal communities regarding the proposed alignment of the highway. Earlier, the SHRC had sought a detailed report from the Public Works Department (PWD) secretary to better understand the project's status and the issues at hand.
According to the report submitted by the PWD secretary, the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC), which is the executing agency for the project, has been directed to prepare and submit a comprehensive report. This report is intended to explain the factual position concerning the residents' concerns and to clearly communicate the project details and its implications to the affected communities. The objective is to ensure transparency and provide accurate information to all stakeholders involved.
Residents' Concerns and Allegations
Despite these efforts, the complainants have expressed deep-seated worries about the potential impacts of the highway. They argue that the implementation of the project could lead to irreversible consequences for the residents living along the coastal areas.
- The residents allege that the highway poses a direct threat to their lives and properties, raising fears of safety and security issues.
- They have warned of large-scale displacement, which could disrupt communities and livelihoods in the region.
- Environmental damage is another major concern, with residents highlighting the potential harm to coastal ecosystems if the highway is executed as planned.
These allegations underscore the urgent need for a thorough assessment and dialogue between the authorities and the affected populations. The SHRC's directive to submit grievances in writing is a step towards formalizing these concerns, but it remains to be seen how they will be addressed in the broader context of the project's development and legal proceedings.
