‘Wayanad Tunnel is vital, lifeline of state', SC rejects Nature Conservation Committee's appeal

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has rejected the appeal filed by the Nature Conservation Committee against the construction of the Wayanad Tunnel. The court rejected the committee's argument that the project is being carried out without environmental clearance. The case was considered by a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant. The Supreme Court did not interfere with the high court order. The court clarified that there is no need to interfere in the project being implemented based on scientific studies and expert committee reports.

'The Wayanad Tunnel is important, the project is the lifeline of the state,' said the court. The Chief Justice clarified that the high court considered everything in detail. An expert committee including the central government has submitted a report stating that the tunnel is being constructed without environmental issues. The opinion of experts should be considered on technical matters. The court also said that the petitioners can approach the National Green Tribunal if it is clear that the conditions have not been met.

The governments have limitations in finding land for projects. The tunnel is a relief to the people. The court also observed that it will not affect wildlife. The committee has given permission for the tunnel with 58 conditions. The Nature Conservation Committee argued that 400 people have died in landslides earlier and that the tunnel is being built in a dangerous place. The Wayanad Tunnel is intended to ease traffic congestion at the Thamarassery Pass and reduce the travel time between Wayanad and Kozhikode.