Thiruvananthapuram : The State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) has highlighted concerns about potential human-wildlife conflicts arising from the proposed four-lane twin-tunnel road connecting Wayanad and Kozhikode. This observation was made during the review of the Environmental Clearance (EC) application for the project, coinciding with the ongoing tender process for the highly anticipated infrastructure development in northern Kerala.
The SEAC's 163rd meeting minutes reveal that the project's Environment Management Plan (EMP) lacks solutions to mitigate human-animal interactions (HWI). With Wayanad already grappling with significant man-animal conflicts, the SEAC noted that blocking the tunnel mouth in the Meppadi area could divert elephants towards more populated routes like Kalladi Colony, potentially heightening human-elephant interactions and conflict risks.
The SEAC emphasized that once the tunnel mouth area is obstructed, elephants would likely navigate through populated colonies to reach Kuppachi forest. Consequently, the committee proposed establishing a fund for potential mitigation measures, including ex-gratia payments, to address the anticipated rise in human-elephant interactions, particularly in the Meppadi range.
The tunnel road aims to enhance transportation convenience and alleviate traffic congestion on Thamarasery pass, known for its challenging hairpin bends. The project's social impact assessment report indicates a designated speed of 80 km/hr through the tunnel, potentially reducing travel time to Wayanad, Bengaluru, and Ootty by an hour. In response to these concerns, the SEAC has formed a sub-committee to conduct a field assessment and submit a detailed report.
Additionally, the SEAC recommended creating under-passages like box culverts alongside nearby streams to facilitate the unhindered movement of amphibians during the breeding season, suggesting consultation with herpetofauna experts for effective implementation. Earlier, the Central government granted preliminary forest clearance for phase 1 of the forest land diversion required for constructing the twin tunnel and its accompanying four-lane approach roads connecting Anakkampoyil, Kalladi, and Meppadi, bridging Kozhikode and Wayanad.
A draft Environmental Impact Assessment report highlighted prevalent human-wild life conflicts within the project area, particularly accentuated on the Meppadi side. The report noted significant conflicts leading to displacement in the southern region, with elephants ranking among the top three species causing damages, as evidenced by registered cases and compensation payouts.
