The development of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH) from Munnar to Bodimettu has hit a roadblock with the Munnar Divisional Forest Officer issuing a notice to the National Highway Muvattupuzha divisional engineer saying that permission of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) was required to cut trees on a 23-km stretch forming part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR).
The letter also said that if trees were cut, cases would be registered against the contractor and the NH officials. The Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH from Adimali to Bodimettu was still in the early stage of widening as there were narrow stretches where only one-way traffic is possible.
Traffic jams are s regular feature on the stretch, especially on holidays and weekends when holidayers head to Munnar. Absence of alternative routes adds to the woes. Frequents accidents are also reported on the ghat road, especially during the rainy season. A biker was recently killed when a tree fell on him near Adimali. It is now learnt that the National Highway officials have decided to stop the work.
The widening works of Munnar-Bodimettu stretch began recently and a Central fund of ₹300 crore was allotted for the purpose. The 42-kilometre stretch of the National Highway is too narrow and trees need to be felled if the widening works are to be undertaken.
The proposal is for a 10-metre width and as per the agreement signed with the contract company the work has to be completed within two years. The company was also given the right to initiate legal steps if the NH authorities did not clear the work.
There are also apprehensions that the objections now raised are aimed at torpedoing the work as the notice was sent nearly two weeks after it began.
