The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted final environmental clearance for the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi tunnel road project, allowing the use of 17.263 hectares of forest land under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The eight point seven three-kilometre tunnel will link Wayanad and Kozhikode districts and is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Kerala. The clearance sets conditions to balance development and conservation.

Work on the tunnel is advancing and rock excavation at the Marippuzha section will commence on March three, with the Chief Minister scheduled to perform the switch-on ceremony. The project is estimated to cost Rs 21,345 million (mn) and is being financed through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The special purpose vehicle for implementation is the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited and the contract has been awarded to Dilip Buildcon of Bhopal and Royal Infrastructure of Kolkata, with completion targeted within four years.

The clearance is accompanied by stringent stipulations including compulsory compensatory afforestation on an equivalent extent of non-forest land and a requirement to plant at least 1,000 saplings per hectare within two years. Tree felling is to be minimised to the maximum extent possible and strict compliance with wildlife protection measures is mandated. Labour camps are prohibited within forest land and no new roads may be constructed inside the forest for transporting materials, while forest land must not be used for any purpose beyond the approved project scope. A total of 24 conditions have been laid down and the Divisional Forest Officer will monitor activities to ensure adherence.

Authorities have emphasised that all conditions set out in the environmental clearance must be strictly followed and that monitoring will be continuous during the construction period. Officials stated that the project is expected to improve connectivity between Wayanad and Kozhikode and to support regional economic activity, while environmental safeguards are intended to reduce ecological impacts. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board will continue to provide financial oversight as the special purpose vehicle and contractors proceed with work.