Thiruvananthapuram, May 27 : Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Monday called upon the media in the state to highlight positive news.

Addressing the media here after delivering a speech on 'Current Politics and Kerala's Development', Chandy said the diaspora is the key to the state's progress.

"They (diaspora) see the developments that are taking place across the globe. They wish that similar development happens in their home state of Kerala. Here, the media can become more positive," said Chandy.

Kerala has nearly a dozen TV channels, most of which broadcast 24x7 news. They usually target the state government in their news broadcasts.

Chandy said Kerala has lost many opportunities in development.

"A major impediment to our growth is lack of land. Wherever it is available, its cost is exorbitant. We had to pay Rs. 5.5 million for one cent of land (100 cents make an acre) that was acquired for Kochi Metro. We have to evolve a new strategy to circumvent this," said Chandy.

He added that it took nine years for the proposed Kochi Smart City IT project to get cleared after it was first mooted in 2004.(IANS)