Not against SilverLine, but govt should allay concerns of people: NSS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Criticizing the government in connection with the K-Rail controversy, the NSS said it is the moral responsibility of the government to take the people into confidence. "The government shouldn't pretend that it has not seen the protests of those losing their land. Without a long-term vision, a project aimed only at economic progress would not be beneficial to the people", NSS criticized.

NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair said in a statement that he was not of the view that development projects like the Silver Line shouldn't be implemented but that many claims of the government do not stand. "The Kerala government intends to build the 'SilverLine' from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod with the objective of sustainable development and future economic, social and environmental development of Kerala. Given the persistent floods, the spread of Covid and the consequent economic impact on the vast majority of the population, it is important to consider at this juncture what projects the government should prioritize, considering the geography, population density and settlement pattern of Kerala, and whether or not large-scale industries will invest in them in the future".

"The government says the SilverLine project will cost a total of Rs 64,000 crore, but the Niti Aayog estimates it will cost around Rs 1.5 lakh crore. As a result, the state's debt burden will increase significantly beyond what its economy can hold and the government is unlikely to fall into debt, he said, adding that without economic security and cultural and social perspectives, development aimed solely at economic development would not be beneficial to the people. Future development activities should be conducive to our geography, economy, social life and economic security.".

"The fact is that when it comes to big projects, a section of the population suffers. Do not ignore the protests of those who lose their land and house in the name of this project. It is the moral responsibility of a government to come up with a plan and to win the trust of the people by allaying their fears", Sukumar Nair said in his statement.