Environmental and social activists express solidarity with stir against proposed bypass

Environmental and social activists and political workers belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other outfits gathered in large numbers in the paddy fields here on Sunday to express solidarity with the ‘Vayalkilikal,’ a group of local residents spearheading an agitation against the proposed National Highway bypass passing through the fields.

The march named ‘Keralam Keezhatturilekku’ (Kerala to Keezhattur) organised under the aegis of the Keezhattur Agitation Solidarity Committee comprising environmental and social activists addressed by among others, Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran; Suresh Gopi, MP; P.C. George, MLA; and activist C.R. Neelakandan, saw a large turnout of activists from different parts of the State in support of Vayalkilikal.

The march was inaugurated by Vayalkilikal activist and farmer Nambradath Janaki by announcing that the struggle to protect the paddy fields would continue with greater courage. Suresh Keezhattur, leader of the agitation, read out a pledge that said that the protection of Western Ghats, midland hills, paddy fields, and wetlands were important for the survival and sustenance.