Kozhikode Biological Park stalls as funding dries up, future uncertain

Fund crunch puts Kozhikode Biological Park project hanging in the balance

The multi-crore Kozhikode Biological Park at Muthukad near Peruvannamuzhi has stalled, with no major first-phase work completed even months after its foundation stone was laid, leaving the project's future uncertain amid a funds shortage and inadequate Forest department supervision.

Local administrators have voiced scepticism about whether the United Democratic Front government will pursue an initiative launched by its Left Democratic Front predecessor, particularly since the last Budget contained no fresh allocation for the park. "The lack of any fresh allocation in the last Budget continues to be the biggest challenge to take it forward. A letter will have to be submitted to the higher authorities explaining the current situation and the need to allot additional funds for the project," a Forest department officer associated with the project said.

The same officer warned that the Animal Hospice Centre planned as part of the Biological Park could also face difficulties because of the shortage of funds.

Questions over planning and political intent

Some local body members from Chakkittappara have alleged that the foundation stone was laid in February 2026 as part of the election strategy of the then LDF government. They have also alleged that there had been no proper planning to secure the required clearances from the Union government or ensure adequate budgetary allocation to execute the project within a stipulated timeframe.

Citing the inordinate delay in carrying out the planned works, some local body representatives have taken up the issue with elected representatives and the Kozhikode Divisional Forest Officer. They are awaiting a policy decision from the government, particularly from the Chief Minister, on the future of the project.

Genesis of the tiger safari park

The previous State government was prompted to consider establishing a tiger safari park in the area because of the emerging tourism prospects of Chakkittappara village. The decision to establish the park was taken on September 27, 2023, despite protests from a section of farmers and human rights activists.

Though three locations were initially under consideration, an eight-member panel comprising senior Forest department officials was tasked with identifying the most suitable site. Following field-level studies, the panel selected Chakkittappara as the ideal location.

Survey completed, but work remains unfinished

Land survey work was subsequently carried out under the leadership of a six-member team headed by head surveyor O.S. Pradeep Kumar. The team completed the survey covering 120 hectares of land owned by the Forest department. The land is currently in the possession of the Plantation Corporation of Kerala under a lease agreement.

The State government had earmarked ₹2 crore towards the initial expenses of the project. An allocation was also made for preparing the detailed project report.

The Forest department had initially planned to accommodate six tigers currently being cared for at the Animal Hospice Centre and Palliative Care facility in Sultan Bathery, Wayanad. The park was originally conceived as a tiger safari park at Muthukad near Peruvannamuzhi before being expanded into a broader Biological Park.

Source: The Hindu