THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite strong objections against the SilverLine project from various corners, the government is completing the formalities for the project at a quick pace.
In the latest development, the government sanctioned Rs 20.5 crore towards establishment and contingency charges for the land acquisition of SilverLine project.
According to the order issued by the transport department in this regard on December 31, the preparatory works for land acquisition needs to be completed immediately, and the managing director of the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (K-Rail) has requested the government for the release of the amount for the purpose.
A high-power committee meeting on major infrastructure development projects (MIDP) in the state, that was held on November 17, considered the proposal from K-Rail and approved it, and recommended the finance department to provide additional funds since the existing allocation under the MIDP has been committed already. The state had earmarked Rs 473.03 crore for undertaking various infrastructure projects in the state for the ongoing financial year. The amount for SilverLine project will be in addition to this allocation.
On the basis of the high-power committee's recommendation, an additional expenditure of Rs 20.50 crore has been authorized towards the establishment and contingency charges for the land acquisition of the project. It includes the expenses for setting up special units for land acquisition and meeting all other expenses for the running of the units.
The government has already issued an order for conducting the social impact assessment study for the project in Kannur. It is of the stand that unless the land markings are made, it cannot exactly ascertain how much the project would impact the people and how many families will have to be displaced.
The government sanctioned a social impact assessment study in Kannur district to be completed within 100 days, and to be conducted by the social impact assessment unit, Kerala Voluntary Health Service, Mullankuzhy, Kottayam. As much as 106.2 hectare is to be acquired for the project from Kannur district that includes 19 villages in three taluks - Kannur, Payyanur and Thalassery. As per rule 10 of the land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement rules, 2015, a social impact assessment study is mandatory before acquiring land.
