New Delhi: The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted conditional environmental clearance for the proposed four-lane tunnel corridor from Kozhikode to Wayanad. The approval was made during the Ministry’s meeting held on May 14 and 15, for the Aanakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel, subject to strict environmental safeguards.

The State-level Expert Appraisal Committee had earlier given a nod to the project in March. However, with the term of the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) members expiring before final approval, the matter was referred to the Central EAC for consideration.

The Centre has now approved the project with 60 conditions. With this clearance in place, work on the tunnel corridor may begin following the signing of contracts.

Key environmental directions from the expert committee

The panel has laid out strict compliance with all guidelines provided by CSIR and CIMFR regarding the impacts of blasting during excavation. Project authorities must also address recommendations related to vibrations, flood risks, and geological studies. Reports on these matters are to be submitted to the Ministry every six months.

Construction of four ground vibration monitoring stations has been made mandatory. Provisions must also be implemented to reduce the risks of landslides and flooding during the construction phase.

Biodiversity and wildlife protection measures

As the project passes through the ecologically rich Western Ghats, special measures must be taken to safeguard biodiversity, including the habitat of the endangered Banasura chilappan (Banasura laughingthrush) and other wild species.

The guidelines include:

  • Protection of the Appankapp elephant corridor
  • Continuous environmental monitoring due to the project’s location in an eco-sensitive zone
  • Formation of an expert committee comprising four members, as recommended by the District Collector
  • Adequate safety measures for construction workers
  • Ensuring the natural flow of the Iruvazhanjippuzha River remains unaffected
  • Continuous monitoring of air quality within the tunnel

State survey prompted committee response

In its meeting on April 4, the committee had sought detailed information from the State Government regarding soil composition, landslide vulnerability, and hydrological impact. The clearance was granted only after receiving this data.

Implementation and cost

The tunnel will be developed through a tripartite agreement involving the Public Works Department, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), and Konkan Railway.

The contract has been awarded to Bhopal-based Dilip Buildcon and Kolkata-based Royal Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of the project stands at ₹2,134 crore. Tendering procedures have already been completed.