Kerala tunnel road project: Union government grants final clearance

Why in news

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest granted final stage-II clearance for the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road project in Kerala to facilitate forest land conversion.

Background

The project involves converting 17.26 hectares of forest land under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. It is being executed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited with a total cost of ₹2,134.5 crore and an expected completion timeline of four years.

Facts for Prelims

• Act / BillForest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Governs the conversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
• BodyKonkan Railway Corporation Limited: Theentity executing the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road project.
• FactThe project cost is ₹2,134.5 crore and involves 17.26 hectares of forest land.
• PlaceAnakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi: The specific tunnel road project location in Kerala.

For Mains

Q. Examine the conflict between infrastructure development and forest conservation in India. How can the Forest (Conservation) Act balance developmental needs with ecological preservation?

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Regulatory oversight: Balancing infrastructure expansion with the 24 environmental conditions imposed by the Union Ministry.
• Ecological integrity: Mitigating habitat fragmentation in Kerala's forest zones during large-scale tunnel construction.
• Institutional coordination: Aligning state-led flagship initiatives with central environmental clearance protocols.

Keywords: Forest (Conservation) Act · Environmental Clearance · Infrastructure Development · Ecological Impact · Sustainable Development

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