Silverline: Marking through DGPS will begin next week

THRIUVANANTHAPURAM: K-Rail has said that although the government has stopped the forcible laying of stones for the social impact study of the SilverLine, it is not possible to do so without marking at designated places. MD V Ajith Kumar told 'Kerala Kaumudi' that markings will be made on buildings and trees on or near the land to be acquired.

The marking will be done using the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), which will accurately mark the exact latitude and longitude of the alignment using data from five satellites. The marking and survey will start from next week. As the alignment of the proposed route of 529.45 km has already been fully geotagged, only marking is required. Marking is in accordance with the Survey and Boundaries Act. With the arrival of the K-Rail team for the marking, there might be other conflicts.

Social impact assessment study has been started in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Collectors have also appointed study groups in other districts. The social impact study will be completed within 100 days. 955.13 hectares of private land is to be acquired in 10 districts.