The Forest Department is preparing a road development proposal to Edamalakkudy panchayat in Idukki, Kerala

Local people carry a sick person on a makeshift stretcher at Edamalakkudy in Idukki. | Photo Credit: (File Photo) SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Amid recurring incidents of people being carried on makeshift stretchers for medical emergencies in Edamalakkudy due to lack of proper road connectivity, the forest department has prepared a proposal to improve accessibility to the tribal panchayat. Ninestrechs will be developed into all-weather roads and a bridge will be built according to the design.

According to officials, the department plans to develop existing roads as well as convert several hiking trails into all-weather motorable roads. The department proposed to complete the projects in two phases with a proposal to complete the bridge construction in the first phase. The proposed bridge over the Manaliyar River will connect the six settlements to Societykudy, the panchayat headquarters, where the panchayat office, primary health center and school are located. “Now, a temporary woven bamboo footbridge anchored to a Njaval tree is the only link connecting the six settlements to Societykudy,” the report said.

The report prepared by High Range Circle Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) DK Vinod Kumar outlines a comprehensive plan for setting up all-weather roads across all tribal villages in Edamalakkudy, which will soon be submitted to the state government along with budget estimates. According to officials, the proposal identifies key sections that require immediate modernization. Major stretches include the 18 km road from Eravikulam National Park (ENP) gate to Pettimuda, which is in a desolate condition, the 1.2 km forest road from Societykuda to Ambalaparakudy and the 3.6 km footpath connecting Keppakkad to Nooradikudy.

He refuses to go to Mankulam

Meanwhile, while addressing local demands for a new route connecting Koodallarkudy to Anakulam in Mankulam, the department has claimed that the project is unnecessary and driven by vested interests. In its report, the CCF said that community members primarily sought access to the Munnar-Udumalpet road in all weather conditions. “All basic public facilities including healthcare, public distribution system and schools are located in and around Societykudy. Community representatives have expressed satisfaction with the proposed link between Koodallarkudy and Societykudy. The demand for the Mankulam-Koodallarkudy route is being pushed by outsiders who are exploiting the tribal community,” the report said.

Landslide risk

“Furthermore, the area from Koodallarkuda to Mankulam is extremely steep and cutting through it is impractical and threatens to cause serious landslides and environmental disasters,” the report said.

Munnar Forest Officer S. Biju said once the roads are designed and the bridges constructed, they will finally guarantee reliable all-weather connectivity for the tribal panchayat.

Published – 20 Sep 2026 07:06 IST