Chennai, March 18: A proposed highway corridor traversing the ecologically sensitive Sengottai (Ariyanakavu) Gap in the Western Ghats has sparked significant concern among environmentalists. They warn that this project could disrupt a vital wildlife corridor and increase the risk of landslides in the region.
The Indian National Highways Authority (NHAI) has sought wildlife clearance from the National Board for Wildlife for this project, which is part of the Bharatmala program. The corridor aims to enhance freight connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s coasts, creating a crucial east-west transport route by linking NH-744 (Kollam-Madurai) with NH-66 (Mumbai-Kanyakumari).
Spanning a total area of 61.7 kilometers, the most sensitive section is designated as Package-1, covering a 23-kilometer stretch between Puliyarai in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district and Edamon in Kollam district. Of this, 19 kilometers lie in Kerala, while approximately 4 kilometers are in Tamil Nadu.
At the center of this controversy is the Sengottai (Ariyanakavu) Gap, a rare natural pass in the Western Ghats that serves as a crucial ecological link connecting forest habitats across state borders.
This area is part of the Agasthyamalai landscape, which links major protected areas, including the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Peppara and Neyyar sanctuaries.
Wildlife experts have indicated that the corridor between Periyar and Shendurney is vital for the movement of tigers and other species.
Project documents reveal that the route will pass through the Puliyarai Reserved Forest in Tamil Nadu and the Ariyanakavu and Yerur Reserved Forests in Kerala, which are located near ecologically sensitive areas.
To address the challenging terrain, the plan proposes four tunnels for the four-lane highway, with lengths ranging from 420 meters to over 3.7 kilometers. Environmentalists are calling for a comprehensive ecological assessment before granting approval, warning that without strict implementation of safety measures, irreversible damage could occur.
–
Leave a Comment