Kerala's Major Tunnel Project Secures Final Forest Clearance from Union Ministry
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has officially granted stage-II forest clearance, which represents the final approval, for the highly anticipated Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road. This critical infrastructure project is designed to create a vital link between the districts of Kozhikode and Wayanad in Kerala, marking a significant milestone in its development.
Minister Announces Clearance as Project Advances Rapidly
Public Works Department Minister PA Mohamed Riyas confirmed the approval through a Facebook post, stating, "The Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road, one of Kerala's dream projects that is progressing at a rapid pace, has now received stage-II clearance from MoEFCC. This marks the final clearance required for the construction of the tunnel road." The project, valued at Rs 2,134 crore, involves the construction of an 8.73-kilometer twin-tunnel road, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurating the construction work on August 31, 2025.
Project Details and Previous Approvals
Preliminary works for the tunnel road have been ongoing, and tunnel boring operations are scheduled to commence shortly. Earlier, the project obtained stage-I forest clearance for the diversion of 17.263 hectares of forest land. A significant portion of the tunnel, spanning 5.76 kilometers, passes through forestland, with the total 17.263 hectares of forest area being utilized for the project. Additionally, MoEFCC had granted environmental clearance for the construction in June 2025, further facilitating the project's progression.
Environmental Concerns and Ecological Impact
Despite the clearances, environmentalists have expressed serious concerns regarding the adverse ecological impact of the project. The tunnel road passes near a high landslide-prone area that experienced catastrophic landslides in 2018, as well as the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides in 2024. These concerns highlight the potential risks associated with constructing infrastructure in such sensitive zones, raising questions about long-term sustainability and safety measures.
The approval from MoEFCC is expected to accelerate the construction timeline, bringing Kerala closer to realizing this ambitious connectivity project while balancing developmental goals with environmental stewardship.
