Fund crunch puts Kozhikode Biological Park project hanging in the balance

The construction of the proposed Kozhikode Biological Park, initially conceived as a tiger safari park at Muthukad near Peruvannamuzhi, has lost steam amid a shortage of funds and lack of supervision by Forest department authorities.No major work envisaged in the first phase of the multi-crore project has been completed at the site, even months after the foundation stone was laid. The future of the project has also become uncertain, with local administrators expressing doubts over the interest of the United Democratic Front (UDF)-led government in taking forward an initiative launched by the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led government despite local protests.“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,” said a Forest department officer associated with the project. The officer said that the Animal Hospice Centre planned as part of the Biological Park could also face difficulties because of the shortage of funds.Some local body members from Chakkittappara have alleged that the foundation stone for the project was laid in February 2026 as part of the election strategy of the then LDF government. They 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.It was the emerging tourism prospects of Chakkittappara village that prompted the previous State government to consider establishing a tiger safari park in the area. 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.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 (DPR). 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. Published - September 12, 2026 08:21 pm IST