T’puram: The state govt has granted permission to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to excavate sand from Muthalapozhi harbour at its own expense for the ongoing six-laning of NH 66.According to govt order, the dredged sand will be used exclusively for construction work on the Kadambattukonam–Kazhakkoottam stretch of the NH 66 project. Govt has exempted the NHAI from paying any fee or charges to either the state govt or the harbour engineering department (HED) for the removal of the material.The order stipulates that the HED and the NHAI must execute a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in consultation with the water resources department before commencing work.It also mandates that measurements of the dredging area be recorded both before and after the excavation in the presence of, and with the approval of, officials of the HED.Based on a report by Kerala Engineering Research Institute (KERI), the excavated material has been found suitable for filling works required for the NH 66 project. The govt has directed that the sand be used solely for highway embankment and filling purposes and must not be diverted for any other use.The order further requires that dredging operations be carried out without disrupting fishing activities and in strict compliance with environmental regulations. NHAI must also obtain all necessary statutory clearances from the department of mining and geology before undertaking the excavation.To ensure accountability, on-site registers documenting the quantity of sand removed must be maintained throughout the operation. The govt has directed all departments concerned to closely monitor the implementation of the conditions specified in the order.The decision is expected to facilitate the timely execution of one of the crucial stretches of the NH 66 widening project while simultaneously helping improve navigability at Muthalapozhi harbour through planned dredging operations.
