Ecological Oversight in Highway Planning: A Case Study of NH66 and Kerala’s Environmentally Sensitive Landscapes

Abstract

The catastrophic 2018 floods in Kerala claimed over 400 lives and displaced thousands. These floods exposed the critical consequences of unscientific infrastructure development. This development disregarded natural water flow and ecological balance. Despite clear warnings from the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report and related policy frameworks, construction of the NH66 highway proceeded without integrating eco-sensitive guidelines. The PDNA emphasized preserving wetlands and paddy fields as vital flood buffers. The NH66 construction was characterized by rigid embankments, filling of wetlands, and blocking of natural drainage channels. This approach has severely disrupted Kerala’s fragile hydrology. Sections of NH66, built after the floods, have caused widespread ecological degradation, increased flood risks, soil instability, and water contamination. These impacts have been observed across districts, including Kannur, Alappuzha, and Kozhikode. Fact-finding studies and local community reports reveal a pattern of engineering failures. Poorly designed culverts and embankments worsen flooding and destroy habitats. There has been a clear disregard for risk-informed, integrated water resource management. The state’s Paddy Land and Wetland Act has also been sidelined. The resulting infrastructure threatens both ecological sustainability and public safety. This case highlights the urgent need to align Kerala’s rebuilding efforts with disaster-resilient and environmentally conscious principles. These principles are envisioned in the “Nava Keralam” campaign and international best practices for risk-informed development and green reconstruction.