Land for Kannur airport, stringent liquor policy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Excise and Ports Minister K Babu on Tuesday said that the 1,277 acres of land for the Kannur Airport project would be handed over to the airport company Kannur International Airport Ltd (KIAL) within 100 days.Announcing his department's 100-day programmes here, Babu, who handles the airport portfolio, said that a new project consultant would be appointed for the airport project. A revised Environmental Impact Assessment would be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). He said that the equity share of 26 per cent in the public sector, 25 per cent government equity and 49 per cent private equity would be preserved.The KIAL board meeting, which is to be convened soon, will decide on the distribution of private equity, he replied to a question on monopolies eyeing these shares. "So far, there has been no clarity on the 49 percent private equity. The state's interest will be protected at all costs,'' he said.ExciseA more stringent liquor policy will be announced within 100 days, Babu said. He also promised to protect the traditional toddy industry. The Minister also announced a spirited antiliquor campaign. As part of this, the warning 'Liquor is harmful to health' will be shown alongside visuals in the media where drinking is portrayed. This will come to effect within 100 days.Also planned are 'AntiLiquor Clubs' at the school/collegelevel in all 140 constituencies, short films and radio broadcasts to spread awareness. He also promised the first deaddiction centre at a district hospital within 100 days. A round the clock help desk is planned at all district headquarters, he said.PortsThe Minister said that a control room for coordinating rescue operations would be established. A panel of divers will be formed in all districts. They will be trained and equipped with the necessary facilities. An action plan will be prepared for a Coastal Shipping project linking Azheekal, Beypore, Kodungalloor, Kollam and Vizhinjam. The Kerala Maritime Board and the Maritime Training Institute will become a reality within 100 days, the Minister said.