A statement was filed by Assistant Solicitor General of India S Manu on behalf of the Central Government and the Railway Board in this regard.
In its response, the Central government said that it has received several representations raising concerns regarding acquisition of cultivable land, houses, businesses and religious structures.
“Many representations are being received against this project in the Ministry. Major issues raised are ruining of thousands of hectares of cultivable land, about 20,000 houses, shops and business establishments etc. It is also pointed that Silver Line will be an obstacle for the expansion of Angamaly railway station which operates railway sidings for Food Corporation of India. It is also highlighted in the representations that the proposed alignment will also lead to demolishing of many religious structures,” the statement read.
Therefore, the Centre advised that “the proceedings of land acquisition for this project shall be stopped at this stage, as even feasibility of the present alignment has not been agreed by the Ministry of Railways”.
Source: Barandbench
