Mysuru: Environmentalists are against the new railway line project between Mysuru and Kushalnagar, which according to them may destroy river Cauvery and the greenery of the region.

The project is expected to come up at a cost of Rs 667 crores in association with the State government. The survey for the same has already been conducted and the work may start in a couple of months’ time. According to railway officials, the survey to lay a railway line between Mysuru and Kushalnagar which has been completed will be scrutinized by Central Railway Board. To avoid environmental destruction, the railway authorities will be using a small portion of the forest land without damaging the trees. In the forest area, tunnels of 200 meters will be used whereas in narrow areas tunnels which measure around 500 meters will be used to lay railway tracks. The officials have decided to use tunnels wherever necessary.

A group of environmentalists and like-minded people have started an online petition ‘Stop the railway to Coorg, save River Cauvery and your drinking water’, urging the Union government, State government and various concerned departments of both the governments to cancel the project which could destroy the flora and fauna and ecology of the region.

The environmentalist are opposing the proposed new railway line between Mysuru and Kushalnagar because, the project may pose threat to Cauvery which is the life line for 8 crore people not only across the State but also a part of Tamil Nadu. They also alleged that trees have the capacity to hold 30,000 to 40,000 litres of water which is helping the region to maintain the underground water level.