Kodagu does not need railway project: Former MP
Flower show at Balyatri estate in Boikere to begin today
Coming down heavily on the survey of the proposed Mysore-Kushalnagar-Madikeri and Mysore-Madikeri-Mangalore railway line in the railway budget, Rajya Sabha former member F M Khan said 'Kodagu does not want railway project.'
Speaking to presspersons on the eve of the two-day flower show to be organised at Balyatri estate in Boikere on March 13, he said “the railway connectivity will harm environment. On the one hand forest will be destroyed and on the other hand, private estates will be destroyed. In this regard, through media, I am pressurising the party and the Centre not to go for railway connectivity to Kodagu.”
“Kodagu is considered as the Switzerland of India. However, we are forgetting. For the construction of National Highways, trees are felled. We are allowing the installation of mobile towers. The tree owners have not been given compensation for felling the trees. I had collected the details in this regard through RTI Act. Once I get the details, I will fight for the cause of the people,” Khan informed.
By allowing the construction of resorts amidst forest, concrete jungles have raised its head in forest. The destruction of environment is affecting the climate, he added.
Khan said “the movement of heavy vehicles should be banned in Kodagu roads. By allowing the plying of light vehicles, roads will last longer.”
Water scarcity
On shortage of drinking water during summer, he said: “By effectively using natural water bodies, Kodagu will not face shortage of water. However, there is lack of farsightedness among our politicians.”
He urged the government to announce Rs 5 lakh award to those scientists who find solution to Bili Kanda koraka affecting coffee.
On allotting land to Lakshmi Mittal for undertaking mining in Bandipura forest land, Khan said “no laws are applicable to millionaires. Public should come forward to fight.”
