Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel road may worsen human-animal conflict
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel road may worsen human-animal conflict

The State Expert Appraisal Committee has cautioned that the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel road project linking Kozhikode to Wayanad might exacerbate conflicts between humans and wildlife. They expressed these concerns during the evaluation of the environmental clearance application. The committee highlighted the potential for aggressive human-wildlife conflicts in their recent meeting minutes. This warning coincided with the State government's progression in the tendering process. The Konkan Railway Corporation had initiated tenders for the Rs 20.43 billion project with a goal to realize it within four years. The planned tunnel length stands at 8.753 km, and the project has received stage-1 forest clearance for diverting 17 ha of forest land.

The committee noted the absence of proposed solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in Wayanad. They pointed out that any obstruction at the proposed tunnel entrance in the Meppadi region would compel elephants to seek alternative routes. These alternative paths traverse through the Kalladi colony and nearby settlements, which are densely populated. This scenario could escalate human-elephant tensions and potentially lead to conflicts. Consequently, it would be unavoidable for elephants to migrate to the Kuppachi forest through these populated areas once the tunnel entrance is obstructed. Additionally, the area is home to endangered bird species such as Banasura Chilappan and Nilgiri Sholakili.

Four tribal colonies lie within 500 metres to 1.5 km of the proposed tunnel road on the northern side. The committee has also requested clarification regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment studies. Furthermore, they noted the proximity of the proposed tunnel to Puthumala, where a significant destructive landslide occurred in 2019.

The State Expert Appraisal Committee has cautioned that the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel road project linking Kozhikode to Wayanad might exacerbate conflicts between humans and wildlife. They expressed these concerns during the evaluation of the environmental clearance application. The committee highlighted the potential for aggressive human-wildlife conflicts in their recent meeting minutes. This warning coincided with the State government's progression in the tendering process. The Konkan Railway Corporation had initiated tenders for the Rs 20.43 billion project with a goal to realize it within four years. The planned tunnel length stands at 8.753 km, and the project has received stage-1 forest clearance for diverting 17 ha of forest land. The committee noted the absence of proposed solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in Wayanad. They pointed out that any obstruction at the proposed tunnel entrance in the Meppadi region would compel elephants to seek alternative routes. These alternative paths traverse through the Kalladi colony and nearby settlements, which are densely populated. This scenario could escalate human-elephant tensions and potentially lead to conflicts. Consequently, it would be unavoidable for elephants to migrate to the Kuppachi forest through these populated areas once the tunnel entrance is obstructed. Additionally, the area is home to endangered bird species such as Banasura Chilappan and Nilgiri Sholakili. Four tribal colonies lie within 500 metres to 1.5 km of the proposed tunnel road on the northern side. The committee has also requested clarification regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment studies. Furthermore, they noted the proximity of the proposed tunnel to Puthumala, where a significant destructive landslide occurred in 2019.

Next Story
Building Material

Protective coatings have powered our double-digit growth

With a stronghold in the decorative segment, Berger Paints India is equally focused on scaling its industrial coatings business – an essential pillar driving its long-term growth and diversification strategy. In conversation with CW, Sanjay Chowdhury, Vice President and Business Head, Berger Paints India, shares how the division is innovating across infrastructure sectors, enhancing sustainability and positioning itself as a solution-driven partner for high-performance, large-scale projects.How does Berger’s Protective Coatings, an industrial coatings division, contribute to over..

Next Story
Technology

L&T Tech Services Wins $50 Mn+ Deal from Global Energy Major

L&T Technology Services, a global leader in engineering and technology services, announced that its Sustainability segment has been selected by one of the world's leading energy companies as its exclusive global engineering partner for Enterprise Data and Digital Services.The five-year agreement, valued at over $50 million, underscores the client’s long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation and digital transformation. This strategic partnership builds on a trusted relationship between the Client and LTTS spanning over a decade.As per the agreement, LTTS will provide Enterprise Da..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

ACME Solar Signs PPA with SECI for 300 MW Sikar Project in Rajasthan

ACME Sikar Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACME Solar Holdings, has executed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for 300 MW capacity in Rajasthan at a fixed tariff of Rs 3.05 per kWh. This achievement follows the commissioning of 300 MW capacity by ACME Sikar on June 23, 2025.The said bid was won earlier under SECI ISTS XVIII Tranche, and the tariff was formally adopted by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) on 30th May 2025. As per the agreement, the project requires to supply power on or before June 30, 2025. The pro..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?