Wayanad Tunnel: Permission will not be revoked

KOCHI: The High Court has rejected the petition seeking cancellation of the environmental clearance granted to the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad. The order of the division bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian was based on the expert inspection report and the approval given in accordance with the procedures. The petition was filed by the Wayanad Environmental Protection Committee.

"The tunnel has the approval of the Central Expert Appraisal Committee. The court can only verify whether the government's policy decisions are correct. The decisions of experts cannot be questioned. However, there should be government supervision at every stage of the project. The safety of the people should be ensured. The promise of employment to the people of Wayanad should be fulfilled. The petitioners are free to approach the Green Tribunal if any irregularities are noticed during the project implementation stage," the order stated.