Sat Jul 05 14:50:42 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

The National Highways Authority is continuing road widening work on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway in Idukki, Kerala, specifically a 14.5-km stretch through forest land. However, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has stated it hasn’t granted permission for this expansion. This has led to complaints, and the MoEF has requested a report from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board. Environmentalist M.N. Jayachandran has filed a petition in the High Court arguing that the widening is occurring without proper approval and leading to deforestation. The High Court will hear the case on July 7th. Meanwhile, Idukki Land Freedom Movement convener Dias Pullan accuses the Forest department of using environmental organizations to block the project and is seeking intervention from local political figures.

## News Article:

**Kerala Highway Expansion Stalled Over Forest Permission Dispute**

**Idukki, July 5, 2025** – Construction on a key stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway in Idukki, Kerala, has been thrown into uncertainty amidst a dispute over environmental clearances. The National Highways Authority is pushing forward with road widening on a 14.5-kilometer segment that cuts through protected forest land, but the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has stated that it has not granted the necessary permissions.

The MoEF’s revelation comes after receiving numerous complaints about the ongoing work and its potential environmental impact. The ministry has now requested a report from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board to investigate the situation.

Environmentalist M.N. Jayachandran has taken the matter to the Kerala High Court, arguing that the highway expansion is proceeding illegally, resulting in deforestation and a waste of public funds. “Construction works are continuing on the forest stretch without approval from the MoEF,” Jayachandran stated. The High Court is scheduled to hear the case on July 7th.

The controversy has ignited a counter-argument from the Idukki Land Freedom Movement, whose convener, Dias Pullan, alleges that the Forest department is orchestrating the legal challenge to block the road development. Pullan maintains that the High Court had previously directed the Forest department not to interfere with the project. He has called upon local MP Dean Kuriakose and District Collector V. Vigneshwari to intervene and ensure the highway project proceeds.

The conflicting perspectives highlight the tension between infrastructure development and environmental protection, raising questions about the future of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway project. The High Court’s decision next week will likely have a significant impact on the ongoing construction and the delicate balance between development and conservation in the region.

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