Babu K Peter | ENS Kochi THE Sabari Rail project is all set to chug into history. After 14 years of surveys and discussions, it is a NO for the project. The Environment Impact Assessment study jointly conducted by the Kerala Forest Research Institute in association with Kerala State Biodiversity Board termed the project as "unviable and superfluous." "There is good road network connecting Sabarimala to various destinations and a railway line at such colossal, ecological and social disruptions is not viable and hence the project is not recommended/' says the report. The study was conducted by Dr Shankar. KFRI. About 12 km of the rail alignment up to Kanamala will be passing through the eco-sensitive zone of Periyar Tiger Reserve notified by the Indian Board of Wildlife. Besides, the 180.9-km-long alignment from Angamali to Azhutha passes cutting across midlands, hilly uplands and uplands, the report says. It has also been pointed out that the alignment was "unscientific" as it has been changed several times at the instance of people whose land was initially marked for takeover. Around 515 hectares of land would have to be taken over for the project which include prime plantations, agro-forestry and paddy holdings. A significant area of wetland would also be destroyed, says the report. Another conclusion of the study is that a total of 1.273 residential buildings in Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam will be affected and at least 2,429 families will lose their land if the project is implemented. As differences in the elevation will have to be dealt with all along this undulating area, significant amount of earth work has to be undertaken. This may cause fractures and cracks in the subsurface and rock layers which are the sources of ground water. The hydrology of the area may be affected and as a result there may be changes in the natural drainage, says the report. However, there is a recommendation in the report that the feasibility of Chengannur-Erumeli railway line may be explored, which is a shorter alignment than the present one. Another option is to set up a road network connecting Sabarimala with various places, which is proposed under the Eco smart.