Environmental activists in Kerala’s Wayanad district gathered on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in front of the Kalpetta civil station to demand the immediate cancellation of the Anakkampoyil‑Kalladi‑Meppadi tunnel project. The protest was inaugurated by N. Badusha, president of the Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti (WPSS), and supported by Varghese Vattekkattil, head of the Western Ghats Protection Committee. While the tunnel is billed as a connectivity boost between Kozhikode and Wayanad, the activists argue that it threatens fragile ecosystems and should be scrapped.

Project Overview

The state government secured environmental clearance from the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority on the condition of 20 stringent safeguards, while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) imposed a total of 60 conditions. These include protection of the sensitive hill‑top ecology, a ban on rock blasting, and safeguards for local water sources. Protesters claim the contractor has flagrantly ignored these stipulations.

Protest Demands

Demonstrators are calling for immediate legal action against the construction firm, its blacklisting from all future public works, and the filing of criminal charges. They also allege that the previous state administration obtained clearances by providing false data to the MoEFCC. Further, they contend that both the High Court and Supreme Court petitions filed by the committee were dismissed under political pressure, with the government branding the tunnel as the “lifeline of Kerala.”

Alleged Violations

According to the activists, the tunnel corridor has already experienced three major landslides in recent years, underscoring its geological instability. Despite a strict prohibition on rock blasting, the former Chief Minister presided over an inaugural blast, directly contravening the environmental directives. The protestors assert that neither the state nor the contractor adhered to any of the 60 MoEFCC conditions.

Potential Environmental Impact

The latest landslide is being described by the group as nature’s warning. Experts warn that continued excavation could trigger further landslides, degrade water quality, and fragment wildlife habitats across the Western Ghats. Moreover, they argue that the tunnel does not address the chronic traffic congestion on Wayanad’s ghat roads and could exacerbate ecological degradation.

Future Outlook

Analysts suggest that if the government proceeds with the tunnel, it risks eroding public trust in large‑scale infrastructure projects and setting a dangerous precedent for environmental compliance. A sustainable alternative—such as upgrading existing road networks and investing in public transport—might better balance development needs with ecological preservation.