Why are the People in Coorg Opposing the Railway Line Construction to Kerala and Mangalore?

The opposition to the railway line construction in Coorg, connecting Kerala and Mangalore, reflects a complex interplay of socio-political and ecological concerns that stem from deep-rooted regionalism and a history of demographic changes. This opposition is primarily driven by a sense of identity and security, as well as environmental concerns.

Historical Demographic Shifts and Crime Rates

After being merged with Karnataka in 1956, Coorg experienced an influx of Kerala migrants, particularly during significant cultural events. For example, in 2015 during the Tippu Jayanti celebration, approximately 1000 Malayalee Muslims from Kerala entered Kodava Naad, causing disturbances. This influx has altered the demographic composition of the region, leading to increased crime rates, particularly in the forms of riots and looting.

The persistence of these issues has led to a heightened sense of regional identity and a perception that external influences are detrimental to Kodava culture and security. This is further fueled by local political parties and caste organizations, who capitalize on these fears to create a polarized environment.

Ecological Concerns: The Mysuru-Thalassery Line

The proposed railway line, which follows the route of the Mysuru-Thalassery line, passes through crucial ecological zones such as the Tiger Reserve and bio-sensitive areas of Ede Naal Naad and Buttiyath Naad. Critics argue that the construction of this railway line could significantly damage the delicate biodiversity of the region. While there are concerns about the impact on the Western Ghats, elevated railway lines are often proposed as a solution to minimize such environmental damage.

Despite these ecological concerns, the opposition to the railway line seems more deeply rooted in a broader sense of regionalism and animosity towards the state of Kerala and its people. This opposition is not unique to Coorg; there are similar sentiments in other parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where there is also a strong resistance to external populations settling in.

Regionalism and Political Polarization

A significant aspect of the opposition to the railway line is the polarizing influence of local political parties and caste organizations. These groups often stoke fears of cultural dilution and economic competition to maintain their power base. While there are valid ecological and socio-economic concerns, the core issue appears to be a manifestation of regionalism and a deep-seated aversion to the state of Kerala and its people.

It is important to note that while the proposed railway line may pose certain risks, the argument that a new railway line would significantly damage the Western Ghats is often exaggerated. Projects like the Mangalore-Hassan railway have been approved despite similar environmental concerns, indicating that there are ways to balance development needs with ecological preservation.

In conclusion, the opposition to the Coorg railway line is a multifaceted issue rooted in regionalism, demographic shifts, and ecological concerns. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced approach that considers both the developmental needs and the environmental and social impacts of such projects. By understanding the underlying causes and finding balanced solutions, it may be possible to mitigate the conflicts and foster a more inclusive and sustainable development strategy.