The recent landslide tragedy in Wayanad, Kerala, has brought to the forefront a contentious infrastructure project that has been shrouded in controversy. The proposed ₹858 crore tunnel road project, which aims to create India’s third-longest tunnel road, has been facing mounting opposition from environmentalists, locals, and experts. The project involves drilling through the same fragile mountains that were ravaged by the landslide, which has claimed 342 lives and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
As the region struggles to come to terms with the devastating impact of the landslide, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is facing intensifying pressure to abandon the project. The disaster has raised serious concerns about the safety and environmental implications of the project, with many questioning the wisdom of excavating through eco-sensitive villages that are already vulnerable to natural disasters.
The tunnel road project has been touted as a major infrastructure development initiative, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic growth in the region. However, critics argue that the project’s potential benefits are far outweighed by its risks, particularly in light of the recent landslide tragedy. They point out that the project involves drilling through a geologically unstable region, which could exacerbate the risk of landslides and other natural disasters.
Furthermore, the project has been criticized for its potential environmental impact, with concerns raised about the destruction of habitats, disruption of water sources, and loss of biodiversity. The region is home to several endangered species, and the project’s implementation could have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem.
In light of these concerns, the Kerala government is facing mounting pressure to reassess the project’s viability and potential risks. The opposition has demanded that the project be put on hold until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted, and until the government can guarantee the safety of the local population. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the fate of the tunnel road project hangs in the balance, and the Kerala government must take a long, hard look at the potential consequences of its actions.
