Date:10/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/10/stories/2004061013910300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Protest against Express Highway

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, JUNE 9 . A meeting of representatives from various organisations was held here this evening under the banner of Express Highway Prathirodha Samiti.

Speakers said that the details of the project were not yet clear. The Government should show more transparency in this regard. It is feared that the proposed highway will divide Kerala into two, adversely affect the environment and affect the availability of drinking water. "The environmental impact assessment report and cost-benefit assessment report should be made public. The impact of the proposed mega project has to be discussed at the local level," demanded Geo Jose, a social activist. He added that there was need to create awareness among political parties on the issue.