Progress or peril? Kerala's Wayanad tunnel faces tough questions

The fatal landslide at the construction site of the proposed Anakkampoyil-Meppadi twin-tube tunnel road on July 7 has reignited debate over the Wayanad tunnel project, the ecological sensitivity of the Western Ghats, and the future of infrastructure development in Kerala. The project aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Wayanad and Kozhikode, reducing disruptions caused by recurring landslides and extreme monsoon conditions.

While supporters view the tunnel as a long-term solution to the district's transportation challenges, environmental experts and activists have renewed calls for comprehensive geological and environmental assessments before large-scale excavation continues. They argue that the fragile terrain of the Western Ghats may not withstand extensive tunnelling without increasing the risk of slope instability and future landslides.