Kerala Fast-Tracks Land Acquisition for Sabarimala Greenfield Airport

The Kerala government has accelerated land acquisition for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield International Airport at Erumely, with key administrative steps now in motion.

A Special Tehsildar office will be established in Erumely or Kanjirappally to directly oversee the acquisition process. The General Land Acquisition Tahsildar’s office, under the Revenue Department, has sought 60 staff members to begin a detailed land survey starting next month.

As per a recent government directive under Section 11(1) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, the state will take over 1,001.873 hectares (2,475.68 acres) in Erumely South and Manimala villages. This comprises the 2,263-acre Cheruvally Estate, which is now held by the Ayana Charitable Trust, a body connected with the Believers Eastern Church.

A preliminary boundary survey has already been completed, with a detailed survey to follow. This next phase will determine land value and compensation based on land type—cultivable, barren, built-up areas, presence of trees, and road access. Official notifications have been issued through the Kerala Gazette and leading newspapers.

Residents and landowners will be informed in advance before valuation begins. A comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement package will also be rolled out for workers currently employed in the Cheruvally Estate, by Section 19(1) of the LARR Act.

If disputes over land ownership arise, the government is prepared to deposit compensation amounts in court and proceed with acquisition.

The greenfield airport project is aimed at improving air connectivity for the millions of pilgrims who visit the Sabarimala temple every year. With the process of land acquisition picking up speed, the project is inching towards reality.