Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel road may worsen human-animal conflict

24 May 2024 CW Team

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.

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