Rajagiri OutReach, a non-governmental organisation, has prepared a social impact assessment (SIA) report, and addressed the concerns and fears of the Ayyampuzha residents of Kerala, where the Global Industrial Finance and Trade (GIFT) City is arriving soon. However, the report recommends the government move forward with the project by suggesting compensation, rehabilitation and job opportunities for members of the affected families. The report inadvertently indicates that there is heavy tree cover in the project site because it is a part of the Western Ghats and calls for protection of the environment, preserves the trees in the areas affected, and measures for replantation in place of the destroyed trees. The proposed project is coming up in 220 hectares in 59 resurvey numbers in Ayyampuzha village. A 76-page report has been prepared as part of the land acquisition for the project. As a part of making the assessment, the opinion of 90 landowners was taken into account. Out of the 90, 53 people have shown their willingness to give the land for the project, while the other 21 were not ready, and 13 took a neutral stand. Most of the land acquired for the project consists of coconut, rubber, tapioca, and vegetable cultivation. Out of the 90 people surveyed, the report shows that 76 are doing cultivation, and in most land, there are ponds, wells, sheds, etc. It also says that the labourers will also lose their means of living with the landowners when the land is acquired. The report moreover suggested the government consider 171.470 hectares of land near the proposed area for the GIFT City project in case there is any practical issue in acquiring the identified land. Residents worry that the environment impact assessment would also support the project discarding their concerns regarding the loss of their livelihood and ecological impact. On World Environment Day, outside the project site, a group of youngsters planted saplings due to the fear of trees being axed to pave the way for the project. Image Source Also read: Sustainable redevelopment for better communities and urban renovation Also read: India, Japan to sign MoC on sustainable urban development