Emerging Kerala 2012

Thiruvananthapuram 05-09-2012: All the apprehensions and allegations raised by certain section regarding Emerging Kerala 2012 are totally baseless, said CM. He was briefing the cabinet decisions to the media here today.

The CM reiterated that not even a single cent of land will be sold out. Certain sections are keen in spreading false news about the investor meet which is to be held from 12^th -14^th of this month at Kochi. All the processes related with Emerging Kerala will be transparent.

Regarding the allegation of the projects mentioned in the website the CM said that all the projects that came up are published without any kind of screening in the website. The objective was to let the people know about the projects that were proposed. But this was not taken in the right spirit.

Under such circumstances the Chief Secretary would hold meeting with officials concerned and the projects mentioned in the website would be screened and replaced. The follow up action on these projects would also be mentioned in the website.

Land would be given for lease only for those projects that brings in more job opportunities, asserting the state’s interest. Environment would be protected and environmental impact study would be conducted. An Investment Clearance Board would be formed to give clearance for the projects.

Emerging Kerala 2012 is not an investor meet alone. It is a platform to exchange thought and ideas. It is an attempt to change the wrong notion that Kerala is not an investor friendly state. This meet aims to make others aware that Kerala is an investor friendly state. This is a new beginning for a huge change.

Farm tourism and hi-tech farming in plantations

As per the existing law only the prescribed farming could be carried out. But now it has been decided that five per cent of plantation land not utilized for plantation activities could be used for tourism purposes and hi-tech farming.

The 90% of the five percent land should be utilized for cultivating vegetables, flowers, milk production and other farming methods. Bio farming should be practiced.

Only 10% of the five percent land should be utilized for Farm tourism.

Out of 100 acres only 50 cent can be used for Farm tourism. The rest 4.5 acres should be utilized for cultivation and other related activities. Only a maximum of 10 acres can be utilized for Farm Tourism.

Construction should be done in a way that is suitable for the environment. Some portion of the profit made from Farm tourism should be utilized for constructing houses for adivasis, roads and for providing drinking water to them.

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The suggestion of Farm Tourism was brought forward by the trade unions during the last UDF Government’s tenure. Law was also passed in this regard. At that time no one opposed this.

The LDF Government could have cancelled this law then they came to power. They formed a 19 member committee consisting of trade union representatives. They had placed this recommendation to the government.

The idea of Farm tourism is to increase the revenue to the Estates and to make us e of the unused land in a most effective manner.

Sea ErosionThe people of Ambalappuzha, Arattupuzha,Purakkad and Ponnani who were affected by sea erosion would be given free ration for two weeks.

At Valiyazeekal in Arattupuzha panchayath sea wall would be constructed in two reaches at a cost of 2.2 crores and 80 lakhs respectively.

Sea wall would be constructed at Purakkad too. Rs 3.5 crores have been sanctioned for this purpose.