Board for Wildlife Defers Proposal for Road Near National Park

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has decided to defer a proposal for the construction of a 4/6-lane highway on the Palakkad-Kozhikode stretch (NH-966). This project is under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The proposal had been recommended by Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden, the State Board for Wildlife, and the state government. The proximity to Silent Valley National Park raised environmental concerns.

According to the minutes of the NBWL’s 81st meeting, the committee deferred the proposal until the Kerala government submits a complete plan for the declaration of an Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the park. The proposed road is located outside the area covered by the ESZ proposed by the state. The Standing Committee emphasized the need for further clarity on the issue.

Ecological Significance of the Park

The Park was declared a National Park in 1984 and holds immense ecological importance. Silent Valley National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.  The park holds around 1,000 species of flowering plants, 107 species of orchids, and the Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, and the Fishing Cat. The Committee has taken extra precautions before approving any development projects nearby. The biodiversity of this park has made it a critical area for conservation.

Other Proposals by Standing Committee

The Standing Committee also discussed the proposal to use 9.89 hectares of forest land in the tiger corridor in Andhra Pradesh. This is to connect the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR). The committee recommended a site inspection by officials from the NTCA, the WII, and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department to assess the animal passage plan and suggest modifications.

There was another proposal which was to widening and construction of roads through the buffer zone of the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The Standing Committee decided to defer these proposals until further consultations with expert members, public representatives, and relevant agencies.

Monitoring of Infrastructure Project

They also focused on improving the monitoring of infrastructure projects to ensure that they comply with mitigation conditions. The Inspector General of Forests highlighted the need for a robust mechanism to ensure compliance with terms and conditions set for approved projects. The district forest officers suggested that user agencies submit compliance reports bi-annually and conduct on-ground verification.