THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The survey land sanctioned by the High Court prior to the social impact study of the Silver Line is not for acquisition. This is only a preliminary survey to mark the areas where social impact assessment is to be conducted. The final survey for land acquisition will be carried out only after obtaining Central approval. Before that many other procedures have to be completed.

The propaganda that the stones now being laid are for land acquisition is not true. The stone is now being laid to identify areas where the alignment of the Silver Line crosses. The social impact study will include how much land should be acquired in these areas, how much private land will be affected, how many families will be affected, compensation and rehabilitation. Notice has been issued for social impact assessment in eleven districts.

Boundary stones will be placed exactly on the land to be acquired in the final survey to be conducted after the approval of the social impact assessment report. Only then will the landowners know how much land will be lost and the boundaries of the land to be acquired. Land records will also be examined. Subsequently, the land acquisition will start only after the order of the government under section eight (two) of the Land Acquisition Act.

Social impact assessment should be done legally when acquiring land for public projects. Such measures may apply to projects that are approved in principle. But the Finance Ministry and the Railways have stipulated that the final tender should not be awarded.

The social impact report will only be published after hearing public opinion. The report will be studied by a committee of two sociologists, local government representatives, rehabilitation experts and technicians. The land acquisition will be ordered after considering the views of the committee. Final survey for land acquistion will be done after that. If the project is delayed for one year it would cost another 3500 crores.