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Highway Through Western Ghats Gap Sparks Eco-Alarm for Tiger Corridors

A proposed highway corridor through the ecologically sensitive Sengottai Gap in the Western Ghats has alarmed conservationists. The project, part of the Bharatmala programme, aims to improve freight connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Experts warn it could sever a critical wildlife corridor used by tigers and other species, fragmenting habitats between major protected areas. The plan includes constructing four tunnels through reserved forests, raising concerns about landslides and irreversible ecological damage without strict safeguards.

Key Points: TN-Kerala Highway Plan in Western Ghats Triggers Environmental Concerns

  • Plan cuts through vital Sengottai Gap wildlife corridor
  • Part of Bharatmala's Puliyarai-Aryankavu-Kadampattukonam corridor
  • Risks fragmenting habitats for 36-40 tigers
  • Involves 4 tunnels in landslide-prone terrain
  • Links NH-744 and NH-66 for east-west freight
2 min read

Highway tunnel plan through TN's Western Ghats gap triggers environmental concerns

NHAI's highway corridor through the Sengottai Gap raises fears of disrupting vital tiger movement and increasing landslide risks in the fragile Western Ghats.

"irreversible damage could result if safeguards are not strictly enforced - Environmentalists"

Chennai, March 18

A proposed highway corridor cutting through the ecologically fragile Sengottai Gap in the southern Western Ghats has sparked concern among conservationists, who warn that the project could disrupt a vital wildlife corridor and aggravate landslide risks in the region.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought wildlife clearance from the National Board for Wildlife for the project, which is part of the Puliyarai-Aryankavu-Kadampattukonam economic corridor under the Bharatmala programme.

The corridor is intended to improve freight connectivity between Tamil Nadu and the Kerala coast, linking NH-744 (Kollam-Madurai) with NH-66 (Mumbai-Kanniyakumari) to form a key east-west transport route.

The overall project spans 61.7 km, with the most sensitive portion identified as Package-1 -- a 23-km stretch between Puliyarai in Tenkasi district and Edamon in Kerala's Kollam district. Of this, approximately 19 km lies in Kerala and about 4 km in Tamil Nadu.

At the centre of the controversy is the Sengottai (Aryankavu) Gap, a rare natural break in the Western Ghats that functions as an important ecological passage linking forest habitats across state boundaries.

The region forms part of the Agasthyamalai landscape, connecting major protected areas including the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and the Peppara and Neyyar sanctuaries.

Wildlife experts note that the corridor between Periyar and Shendurney is critical for the movement of tigers and other species, with the wider landscape estimated to support 36 to 40 tigers across more than 2,100 sq km.

They caution that new infrastructure could further fragment habitats already affected by existing roads and railway lines.

Project documents indicate that the alignment will pass through Puliyarai Reserved Forest in Tamil Nadu and Ariankavu and Yerur Reserved Forests in Kerala, close to eco-sensitive zones.

To tackle the difficult terrain, the plan proposes four tunnel stretches for a four-lane highway, with lengths ranging from 420 metres to over 3.7 km. Environmentalists have called for a comprehensive ecological assessment before any clearances are granted, warning that irreversible damage could result if safeguards are not strictly enforced.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! Better connectivity between TN and Kerala will boost trade and tourism. The tunnel technology should minimize surface disruption. We need to balance ecology with economy, and this seems like a step in the right direction for the region's growth.
A
Arjun K
As someone from Tenkasi district, we desperately need better roads. But sir, the landslide risk is very real here during monsoon. The authorities must ensure the highest safety standards and listen to the experts. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
The article mentions 36-40 tigers in that landscape. Fragmenting their habitat with a highway, even with tunnels, is a huge risk. Has NHAI considered wildlife overpasses or underpasses as part of the design? The clearance process must be rigorous.
K
Karthik V
This is a classic debate. The Bharatmala project is crucial for national infrastructure, but the Sengottai Gap is ecologically unique. Why can't the alignment be modified to avoid the most sensitive areas? There has to be a middle path.
M
Meera T
Respectfully, I think the concerns are being overstated. Modern engineering can handle these challenges. The economic benefits for both states will be massive. Let's not hold back progress based on fears. Proper mitigation measures will be put in place.

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