Thiruvananthapuram: Confusion prevails in the revenue department and K-Rail in connection with the resumption of SilverLine survey which had been suspended following widespread protests across the state.
Despite the K-Rail authorities claiming that stone laying had not been stopped as part of the survey at any place, the fact is that no such activity has happened in the state for the past two weeks.
Though the authorities had extended the time given to agencies for conducting social impact study, they are yet to venture out in the field for carrying out the exercise.
It seems the K-Rail authorities and revenue department are also awaiting the government's decision on the matter in the wake of the continuing protests and tension prevailing in several parts of the state.
But the state government has gained in confidence following the CPM Party Congress's positive stand towards the K-Rail project. However, there are apprehensions that the Centre might put in stiff opposition to the project.
The government suspects the BJP had announced its fresh agitation programme against the project on the basis of a clear indication from the central government. Another factor that is pulling the government back is the forthcoming assembly by poll in Thrikkakara constituency in Ernakulam district.
The government and party leadership are discussing the possible impact that K-Rail protests could have on the outcome of Thrikkakkara by-poll.
Ward-level meetings are being held under District Collectors to connect directly with people living in the project area to explain the importance of K-Rail and allay their fears.
The majority view is that stone laying should resume only after the awareness programmes that are being conducted at ward-level and panchayat-level.
Meanwhile, the attempts being made by the government to seek loans from foreign agencies have not succeeded yet. More than the anti K-Rail protests, the foreign agencies are worried about the central government's delay in granting approval to the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
High level discussions are taking place in connection with the future course of the K-Rail project.
