Conservationists have expressed serious concerns over the proposed Komachi Park tourism project in North Wayanad, citing potential threats to a critical elephant corridor near the Kottiyur Wildlife Sanctuary. The project site is located just 750 metres from the corridor, a key passage facilitating elephant movement between forest blocks.
Environmental experts warn that ongoing construction, which has reportedly continued for nearly two years without adequate safeguards, could disrupt natural migration routes and force elephants into nearby human settlements, including Thavinhal, Thirunelli, and Kottiyur, raising the risk of human-wildlife conflict. The area is also prone to landslides and forms a buffer zone for the Ambayathode stream, further magnifying ecological risks.
The ANEC Trust and other environmental groups have formally petitioned the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Kerala Forest Department to halt construction until proper environmental assessments and mitigation measures are implemented.
Local authorities face the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with wildlife protection, particularly within eco-sensitive zones designed to preserve biodiversity. Experts emphasize that failure to regulate such projects could compromise habitat integrity, threaten endangered species, and undermine regional conservation efforts.
