The State government on Wednesday made it clear that it “in principle” is not in favour of the Mysuru-Thalasherry railway line that passes through Kodagu. The proposed project has seen widespread opposition in the district.
Large and Medium Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande told the Legislative Assembly, while replying to BJP member K.G. Bopaiah during Zero Hour, that the government was aware of public opinion on the project. “Also, the Forest Department has opposed the project on the grounds that it will affect the elephant corridor,” he said.
He assured the House that Karnataka government would not allow any Detailed Project Report to be prepared on the controversial railway project. He said the government would take an appropriate call in the interest of environment if there is any official proposal on it from either the Kerala government or Railways. “As of now, we have not received any proposal from either of them,” the Minister said.
However, Mr. Bopaiah pointed out that a meeting regarding the project had already been held in Bengaluru in which representatives of Karnataka, Kerala and Railways had participated. Mr. Deshpande said the meeting was only preliminary and that neither Karnataka nor the Railway Board had given their consent to the project.
Opposition to the ₹6,685-crore Mysuru-Thalasherry line is growing in Kodagu and surrounding areas as it bisects the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve and may lead to degradation of the catchment area for Cauvery river.
Meanwhile, the Minister said Railways had cleared the 110-km Mysuru-Kushalnagar-Madikeri railway line project.
