The controversy surrounding Kerala’s historic “Royal Path” has taken a significant turn as environmentalists have sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevent its reopening. The “Royal Path,” an ancient road connecting Aluva near Kochi to the popular tourist destination Munnar in the Idukki high ranges, has been at the center of a heated debate.
This 120-kilometer route, which dates back centuries, was damaged during the 1924 floods and permanently closed in 2010 after an alternative highway was developed. However, local residents, church leaders, and political groups, including the Congress and the CPM, have been advocating for its reopening, citing the potential to reduce travel distance by 20 kilometers and boost tourism.
Environmentalists, led by the Kochi-based Animals and Nature Ethics Committee (ANEC), have raised strong objections. They argue that reopening the road would disrupt a 26-kilometer stretch of dense forest, which includes an elephant corridor, and could lead to increased human-wildlife conflicts. ANEC highlighted alarming statistics, such as the loss of 763 wild elephants and over 50 tigers in Kerala between 2016 and 2024, emphasizing the need to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem.
The forest department has also opposed the move, citing the ecological importance of the area. Despite this, proponents of the reopening argue that it could significantly benefit the tourism industry and local communities. The debate has now reached the national level, with environmentalists urging the Prime Minister to prioritize conservation over development interests. The outcome of this issue could have far-reaching implications for Kerala’s environmental policies and tourism strategies.
