The Kerala government Has stepped up efforts in land acquisition procedures for the Sabarimala greenfield international airport project in Erumely. As part of this, a Special Tehsildar office will be set up in Erumely or Kanjirappally to oversee the acquisition process.

A detailed land survey is being prepared by the general land acquisition Tahsildar’s office under the Revenue department, which has requested 60 staff members to begin the process next month.

A government order under Section 11(1) of the LARR Act states that 1,001.873 hectares (2,475.68 acres) will be acquired in Erumely South and Manimala villages. This includes the 2,263-acre Cheruvally Estate, currently held by the Ayana Charitable Trust, affiliated with the Believers Eastern Church. A preliminary boundary survey has been completed, and a detailed survey to establish compensation and valuation will follow. 

Residents will be notified in advance, and information such as land type—farmland, fallow land, structures, trees, and access to roads will factor into compensation values. Notices have already been published in the State gazette and newspapers. 

A rehabilitation and resettlement package will also be initiated for workers in the Cheruvally Estate, as per Section 19(1) of the LARR Act. The government may proceed with acquisition after depositing compensation in court, pending the resolution of ownership claims.