Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday rejected the request of his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan to extend cooperation to take up various railway projects in ecologically sensitive areas and wildlife sanctuaries of the state.
“Vijayan came here to hold bilateral talks as decided in the Southern Region Council meeting. The Government of Kerala sought co-operation for its various railway projects, including Kanhangad-Kaniyur Rail Line route, and other highway projects. The proposed rail line project has a 40 km route in Kerala and 31 km in Karnataka. However, it is not very beneficial for Karnataka,” he told reporters here.
“Besides, it will pass through the rich bio-diversity and ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats. So, the Kerala CM was clearly told that it was not possible for the State of Karnataka to give extended cooperation for this project,” CM added.
Vijayan also discussed the old project of Tellicherry-Mysore rail line route, but Bommai did not give permission as it will traverse through Bandipur-Nagarhole National Parks which will cause great damage to flora and fauna.
Bommai also rejected Pinarayi’s proposed construction of an underground rail route as it would damage the environment during construction.
“The Kerala CM was informed that presently, two buses are operated during night via Bandipur National Highway, but he sought permission to allow four buses but that proposal was also rejected,” Bommai pointed out.
