The Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad, a prominent scientific and literary organization, has released a report from its expert committee, urging the government to reconsider the controversial Silver Line project. The report highlights the potential exacerbation of floods caused by the project and emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive environmental assessment.
According to the report, the Silver Line project, if implemented, will significantly aggravate flooding in the region. The expert committee’s assessment reveals that approximately 4033 hectares of flood-prone areas will be further affected by the project. Additionally, the report highlights the alarming destruction of approximately 6 lakh square meters of residential areas if the project moves forward as planned.
“The proposed Silver Line route traverses vulnerable areas across all districts, spanning a length of 96 km. Approximately 55 percent of the route is prone to waterlogging, and the eastern side experiences recurrent floods throughout the year. Moreover, the incomplete Detailed Project Report (DPR) itself is a significant shortcoming. The claim of being an environmentally friendly project is also misleading. Therefore, exploring alternative possibilities is imperative and merits reconsideration,” states the report.
The comprehensive version of the report was presented during the state conference in Thrissur and is set to be published on the Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad’s official website within a week. The report’s publication aims to provide the public with an in-depth understanding of the potential environmental repercussions associated with the Silver Line project.
The Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad has been an influential voice in the state, promoting scientific and literary endeavors. Their expertise and commitment to environmental preservation have added weight to their recommendation for the government to reevaluate the Silver Line project.
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