By Our Special Correspondent
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said that three major rail projects proposed by Kerala have been rejected.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with a delegation led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at his official residence, Bommai said: “We are sister states and there is a lot of cultural exchange, but three railway projects have been proposed from Kasargod to Dakshina Kannada. , Mysore to Thalachery and Kanhangad - Kaniyur railway lanes fall under eco-sensitive zones."
Bommai said that the Railway Department had rejected the Kangara-Bantur-Kaniyur railway project. Now the Railway Department is saying that the project can be continued only if both states agree, that is why they brought this proposal and rejected it.
"The lane passes through the eco-sensitive Sullia, Subramanya stretch." We cannot agree. Let's see how useful it is for Karnataka travelers and look at the environmental challenges. We have made it clear to them that this is not possible till then. Give consent," said Bommai.
Bommai said that these projects will pass through national parks, tiger sanctuaries and elephant sanctuaries.
"The Talachery-Mysore railway lane passes through Bandipur and Nagarahole national sanctuaries. They proposed to implement the project with a new alignment. We did not agree. We told them we will not compromise with the environment," he said.
"The Kerala delegation also proposed an underground tunnel in the forest area, which we rejected," he said.
Vijayan asked for a meeting during the meeting of South Zone Committee of South Indian Chief Ministers in Thiruvananthapuram. "We met today," said Bommai.
On reaching there, Vijayan was felicitated with a traditional 'Mysore Peta' headdress and a garland of sandalwood flowers.
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