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The Supreme Court has allowed the Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel project in Kerala to move ahead by refusing to interfere with its environmental clearance. The court upheld the earlier Kerala High Court decision and noted the project's importance for regional connectivity and public benefit. While environmental concerns were raised due to the project's location in the Western Ghats, the court observed that expert assessments and safeguards are in place. It also permitted the petitioners to approach the National Green Tribunal if any violations occur during execution, ensuring continued oversight.
The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the environmental clearance granted to the Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel project, allowing the infrastructure development in Kerala to move forward. The decision came after the court dismissed a plea challenging the approval, thereby upholding the earlier order of the Kerala High Court which had rejected similar objections. Advertisement
The petition was filed by an environmental group that raised concerns about the ecological impact of constructing a twin-tube tunnel through the Western Ghats. The court observed that the project holds public importance and is expected to improve connectivity in a region where land availability is limited and road infrastructure faces capacity constraints.
The bench, headed by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noted that such infrastructure projects are necessary in densely populated states like Kerala. The court conveyed that better road connectivity through engineered solutions like tunnels can help address congestion and improve travel efficiency in difficult terrain.
Concerns related to environmental sensitivity and landslide risks were also discussed during the proceedings. The court took note of the fact that the project had already undergone evaluation by expert bodies and that the environmental clearance includes several conditions along with a mitigation and management plan. It indicated that these safeguards are meant to reduce ecological impact during construction and operation.
At the same time, the court allowed the petitioners the option to approach the National Green Tribunal if any violations of environmental norms or clearance conditions are observed during the execution of the project. This ensures that monitoring and accountability remain in place as work progresses.
The Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel project involves the construction of an approximately 8.7 km long twin-tube road tunnel aimed at improving connectivity between the two districts. The project is designed to bypass the existing ghat road, which frequently experiences congestion, weather-related disruptions, and safety concerns. Once completed, it is expected to reduce travel time significantly and strengthen connectivity between northern Kerala and parts of Karnataka.
The project had earlier received environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with required forest approvals. It has been under discussion for a considerable period, with environmental groups consistently highlighting risks such as impact on biodiversity, forest cover, and slope stability in the Western Ghats region.
Despite these concerns, the state has been pushing forward with the project citing the need for better infrastructure and regional development. Initial groundwork had already begun following approvals, indicating administrative intent to fast-track the project.
Source PTI
5th Jun, 2025
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