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
Infrastructure Energy

GAIL to Set Up Bengaluru CBG Plant Under New Concession Pact

GAIL (India) Limited has signed a 20-year concession agreement with the Bengaluru City Municipal Corporation (BBMP) to set up a compressed biogas (CBG) plant in the city. The project, expected to produce around 10 tonnes of CBG daily, will utilise municipal solid waste as feedstock, contributing to clean energy generation and efficient waste management. The CBG produced will be used in GAIL’s City Gas Distribution network to promote cleaner fuel usage. The initiative aligns with the government’s Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme and GAIL’s broader ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Uttarakhand HC Lifts 31-Year Ban on ONGC’s Contractual Hiring

The Uttarakhand High Court has lifted a 31-year-old ban on the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) from hiring contractual workers, a restriction imposed in 1993. The decision enables ONGC’s Dehradun establishment to employ personnel on a contractual basis to meet operational requirements. The long-standing prohibition had limited ONGC’s ability to fill vacancies in its technical and administrative departments, often leading to project delays and higher dependence on outsourcing. With the court’s directive, the public sector enterprise can now proceed with temporary recruitments whil..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

JSW Energy’s Utkal Unit Bags 400 MW, 25-Year Power Supply Deal

JSW Energy Limited announced that its subsidiary, JSW Energy (Utkal) Limited, has secured a Letter of Award (LoA) from Karnataka’s Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL) for the supply of 400 MW of electricity for 25 years. The agreement is part of a competitive bidding process for long-term procurement of power to meet the state’s growing energy demand. The 400 MW capacity will be supplied from JSW Energy’s upcoming thermal power project in Odisha. This development strengthens JSW Energy’s presence in the southern market and aligns with its strategy to enhance long-term contracte..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?