Bengaluru: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said he clarified to his Kerala counterpart that it is not possible to take up any development works in ecologically sensitive areas and wildlife sanctuaries.
Speaking to mediapersons here, after meeting Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Sunday September 18, Bommai said Vijayan came here to hold bi-lateral 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 Kanhangad-Kaniyur rail line project has a 40 km route in Kerala and 31 km in Karnataka. However, this project is not very beneficial for Karnataka. 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 to give extended cooperation for this project,” he said.
The CM said Vijayan also discussed the old project of Tellicherry-Mysore rail line route and he was strictly told it is not possible to give permission as the proposed rail route will traverse through Bandipura-Nagarahole National Parks and will cause great damage to flora and fauna. The Kerala CM proposed the construction of an underground rail route and even it was rejected flatly as it would damage the environment during the construction activities.
The Kerala CM was informed that presently, two buses are operated during the night via Bandipura National Highway, but he sought permission to allow four buses and that proposal was also rejected, Bommai pointed out.
