Only around 8.5 cents of private land is needed for the approach road connecting the bridge with the Mukkam town.

The ghat town of Mukkam in Kozhikode will soon have the rare distinction of owning a three-way bridge in the State. Across the Iruvanhji river, the Mukkam kadavu bridge is likely to be inaugurated after an approach road is built.

The Rs. 18-crore bridge, for which the work started in October 2012 was completed on time by the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) and was handed over to the authorities a few months ago.

However, its opening has been delayed as the approach-road could not be built at one side following delay in acquiring the land.

While the Left Democratic Front (LDF) blamed the ruling front for not ensuring timely acquisition of land, the local MLA representing Muslim League, said the non-cooperation of the LDF-ruled Mukkam panchayat led to the delay.

The 'Y' shaped bridge, which ensures an easy connection to the towns of Koodaranhi, Thekkumkutti, Karamoola and Thiruvambadi with Mukkam, will also facilitate easy access to vehicles from the neighbouring district of Wayanad to places such as Areekode and Karipur without touching Mukkam town.

Only around 8.5 cents of private land is needed for the approach road connecting the bridge with the Mukkam town.

The owner is willing to give the land provided he gets the market value for the property.

"The Mukkam panchayat has no role in acquiring the land, which is the responsibility of the PWD," said Mukkam Muhammed, district convenor of the LDF.

"Why didn't the local MLA try to acquire the required land after the work for the bridge was completed on time?" he asked.

C. Moyinkutty, MLA, however, said that he was attempting to make the land available for the approach-road through informal negotiations with its owner to avoid the delay.

"But the opposition parties tried to sabotage it by instigating the owner," he said.

The acquisition procedure has now, however, got on track with the State Level Purchase Committee delegating the district-level committee (DLPC) to examine the land and fix the price. "We hope it will be completed in a few weeks time," said Mr. Moyinkutty.

THE HINDU

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