THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is going ahead with the Wayanad tunnel road amid the fear of a landslide disaster that claimed nearly 500 lives. People are worried about the excavation of the weakest hill and mountain in the Western Ghats. The environmental impact study of the tunnel was carried out before the landslide. The need is to halt the project till the study is re-conducted.

The government told the assembly yesterday that it was waiting for the final environmental clearance to acquire 90 per cent of the land and start the work. It was also revealed that the financial bid for the double tunnel was opened on September 4.

The high court had earlier itself expressed concern over the tunnel in the area where landslides and mudslides are occurring. There is also opposition from environmental organisations including the Wayanad Nature Conservation Committee.

The tunnel is from Aanakkampoyil in Kozhikode to Meppadi in Wayanad. It was announced as a solution for the journey crossing the Thamarassery pass. It is estimated that if the tunnel comes up, the distance will be reduced by 30 km. Of the 8.735 km route, 8.11 km is the tunnel.

Chembra and Vellari hills, which will be dug for the tunnel, are the most delicate part of the Western Ghats. The western side of it has been hit by landslides several times. Puthumala and Kavalappara, which were hit by landslides earlier, are in this area. Puthumala is at Meppadi where the road ends.

The 7,677-foot-high mountain ranges of Vavulmala and Chembra should be excavated. There are also concerns that this will cause environmental damage. However, the Konkan Railway, which is in charge, is of the view that there will be no further landslides where the tunnel is being constructed.

The high court had asked whether all aspects were considered in the wake of the landslide. It was also suggested that the construction details of the tunnel should be informed at the commencement.

There is also a demand to develop five alternative roads by abandoning the tunnel plan. CPI is of the view that more scientific study is needed on the tunnel route.

Construction in two packages

• The bridge and the approach road will be the first package and the tunnel route will be the second package.
• Permission to acquire 17.26 hectares of forest land. Instead, 17.63 hectares of private land will be converted into forest land.
• 8.052 hectares in Kozhikode and 8.122 hectares in Wayanad have been acquired.
• 1.854 hectares in Kozhikode to be acquired soon. Construction in EPC mode with private participation
• Environmental clearance application under consideration of state-level expert committee

(Minister Riyaz informed the Assembly)