Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on 18 September refused to accept proposals by neighbouring Kerala that involved meddling with eco-sensitive zones for development.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had met Bommai in Bengaluru to hold bilateral talks, as decided in the Southern Region Council meeting. 

Bommai said he clarified to his Kerala counterpart that it was not possible to take up any development works in ecologically sensitive areas and wildlife sanctuaries.

The Government of Kerala had sought cooperation for its various railway projects, including the Kanhangad-Kaniyur route, and highway projects. 

Kerala and Karnataka will host 40 km and 31 km, respectively, of the proposed Kanhangad-Kaniyur rail line project. However, it isn't very beneficial to Karnataka. The project will pass through the rich biodiversity and ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats.

Therefore, Vijayan was told clearly that it was not possible for Karnataka to provide extended cooperation for this project, Bommai told the media after his meeting with the Kerala Chief Minister.

”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 Bandipur-Nagarhole National Parks and it will cause great damage to flora and fauna,” he added.

Vijayan is said to have also proposed the construction of an underground rail route. It was rejected flatly, too, as it would damage the environment on account of construction activities.

Karnataka also refused permission sought by Kerala to ply additional buses via the Bandipur national highway during the night. At present, two buses are operated at night through the wildlife zone.