NHAI plan to acquire 800-year-old Cheppad church land kicks up row
ALAPPUZHA: A controversy is brewing over the takeover of the land and building of 800-year-old St George Orthodox Church at Cheppad near Kayamkulam for the development of National Highway 66.
The survey as part of the land acquisition was completed by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials amid the protest by parishioners on Wednesday.
The devotees launched a relay fast in protest against the acquisition of a portion of the church and land. Vicar Fr Alexander Vattakattu said the church, known for its antiquity and the mural paintings on the apse, is estimated to have been built in the 12th century.
