Wed Dec 31 15:26:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article, formatted as if published by The Hindu:
Summary:
The Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti (Nature Protection Committee) in Wayanad, India, has criticized a recent protest by local MLAs T. Siddique and I.C. Balakrishnan regarding traffic congestion on the Thamarasseri Ghat road. The Samiti alleges the protest was a sham, designed to protect vested interests rather than solve the problem. They claim the MLAs offered no practical solutions and are ignoring opportunities to improve alternative routes like the Pakramthalam Ghat road. The Samiti believes the government is deliberately allowing the congestion to worsen to justify expensive new roads through the Western Ghats, which would benefit land developers and resort owners more than the public. They also point out the government is neglecting other options like widening existing roads with sanctioned forest department development.
News Article:
Wayanad Environmental Group Slams MLAs’ Traffic Protest as a ‘Farce’
Kozhikode, December 31, 2025: The Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti (PSS), Wayanad’s prominent nature conservation organization, has sharply criticized a recent protest by MLAs T. Siddique and I.C. Balakrishnan concerning the persistent traffic woes on the Thamarasseri Ghat road. In a statement released Wednesday, the PSS branded the MLAs’ actions a “farce,” accusing them of prioritizing vested interests over genuine solutions for the region’s chronic traffic congestion.
The PSS alleges the MLAs failed to propose any viable alternatives to alleviate the gridlock and are deliberately avoiding addressing the core issues contributing to the problem. “Their actions appear designed to protect specific stakeholders rather than serving the interests of the public,” stated N. Badusha, President of the Samithi, during a press conference. The organization also questioned the silence of O.R. Kelu, the district’s Minister.
The group emphasized that the traffic congestion has been escalating for over a decade. They criticized the government’s focus on a ₹2,500 crore tunnel road project, arguing it neglects the more cost-effective option of developing the existing five ghat roads to Wayanad, which they estimate would cost less than ₹500 crore.
The Samiti further asserted that the congestion is being intentionally exacerbated to justify the construction of new roads through the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. “This orchestrated public outrage paves the way for new routes that will primarily benefit the land mafia, forest encroachers, and resort owners, not the everyday citizens of Wayanad,” the statement declared.
Highlighting the inaction on readily available solutions, the PSS pointed out that the Forest Department has already sanctioned development to widen the Thamarasseri Ghat road, yet no progress has been made. They also noted the potential of the Pakramthalam Ghat road, which doesn’t fall under forest area restrictions, to divert heavy vehicles and multi-axle carriers. The organization also cited the lack of control on the flow of vehicles from other districts, unlike successful strategies implemented in similar hill stations like Ooty.
“Even villages within Wayanad are now experiencing paralyzing traffic jams, disrupting normal life,” the Samiti lamented. The organization concluded by urging the government to prioritize sustainable and equitable solutions that benefit the local community and protect the region’s fragile ecosystem.
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