Wayanad Tunnel Road: SC rejects landslide concerns, rules engineers will handle project risks

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the environmental clearance for the Wayanad tunnel road project. The court observed that this is a project of national importance, serving as a "lifeline" for the people of Kerala, who face severe traffic congestion due to high population density and difficulties in land acquisition.

The Supreme Court stated that environmental concerns regarding the project have already been considered by experts. It further clarified that if environmental standards are not maintained during construction, the petitioners are free to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samithi had moved the Supreme Court after the High Court rejected their plea to revoke the environmental clearance for the project, which serves as an alternative to the Thamarassery Ghat road.

Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the petitioners, pointed out that Wayanad is a highly ecologically sensitive area prone to landslides. He argued that the project should have been classified under 'Category A' rather than 'Category B' of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification.

He pointed out that the region is rich in flora and fauna, and that conducting the assessment at the state level instead of the Central level was a major legal violation. He contended that even basic technical procedures were not followed.

However, a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked that such technical matters would be handled by engineers and noted that tunnels are being constructed in many locations. The apex court noted the High Court’s observation that the Central Environmental Appraisal Committee had indeed considered the project as Category A. "Tunnels are better for protecting wildlife," the Chief Justice remarked. He further stated that court interference would only serve to delay the project.

The bench, which included Justice Joymalya Bagchi, also observed that all these arguments by the petitioners had already been considered by the High Court.

The State Government had also filed a caveat requesting that no order be passed without hearing their side. However, since all arguments by the petitioners were dismissed, the government did not need to make a separate submission.