Wayanad: Despite widespread concerns over the Mundakkai landslide, the state government is continuing with the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel project despite strong opposition from environmental groups.

On Thursday, the tender for the project was awarded to Bhopal-based infrastructure development company Dilip Buildcon Limited. The company’s bid of Rs 1,341 crore was the lowest, while the government had estimated the cost of the project at Rs 1,600 crore.

Though the project initially enjoyed strong public support, fear has now gripped residents of the Western Ghats valleys in Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. The state government is still waiting for environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC), without which a final construction agreement with the company cannot be signed.
Read more: Kerala double-track tunnel project area prone to frequent landslides, landslide risk: Green Panel

Thiruvambadi MLA Linto Joseph told Onmanorama that there is no opposition to the project from the general public, but some parties are opposing it for political reasons. Asked about the environmental impact of the project, Linto Joseph said, “The state government has already conducted a social impact assessment study, which includes an environmental assessment.”

“We hope the MOEFCC will give its approval soon,” he added, noting that Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had recently reiterated the central government’s support for tunnel roads, highlighting plans to promote 50 such projects across the country.

Meanwhile, the construction of 17.1 km approach road from Thiruvambadi to Marippuzha, the entrance to the tunnel project, is progressing fast. The Uralungal Labour Contract Society is executing this road project worth Rs 108 crore.

Ecologists’ protest
Various environmental organisations in Wayanad came together and opposed the project, citing the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster as evidence of the region’s extreme ecological sensitivity.

N Badusha, president of Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, told Onmanorama that while street protests may not be feasible, the organisation plans to create awareness among the public about the environmental hazards of the project. “If the government continues despite the huge loss of life, we will pursue our rights through legal means,” he said. “If such a reckless project is implemented, people will pay a much higher price for their silence, something nature has already taught us in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region.”

Before the landslide, the project was seen as a “road of hope” for the people of Wayanad, offering an alternative to Ghat Road on National Highway NH 766. One of the flagship projects of the LDF government, the 8.17-km Kozhikode-Wayanad Tunnel Road is meant to ease the traffic jams experienced by travellers between Wayanad and Kozhikode. Despite efforts to widen the road, heavy traffic on the 9-km stretch of NH 766 at the ghats regularly causes hours-long traffic jams.

The project is being fully funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), known for its experience in constructing railway tunnels, has been selected as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the project. Slated for completion in 2018, the project was expected to resolve persistent traffic jams on the ghat section of NH 766.