Fund crunch puts Kozhikode Biological Park project hanging in the balance

The construction of the Kozhikode Biological Park, initially planned as a tiger safari park near Peruvannamuzhi, has stalled due to a funding shortage and insufficient oversight from Forest department officials. Despite the foundation stone being laid months ago, no significant progress has been made in the multi-crore project. Local administrators question the continued support from the UDF-led government, as it differs from the LDF-led government that initiated the project.

A Forest department official stated that the primary obstacle is the absence of fresh budget allocation in the recent Budget. The Animal Hospice Centre, intended as part of the park, may also suffer from funding issues. Local body members from Chakkittappara claim the foundation stone was laid in February 2026 as part of the LDF government's election strategy, and there has been inadequate planning and required clearances from the Union government.

Some representatives are raising concerns with elected officials and the Kozhikode Divisional Forest Officer. The project's inception was driven by Chakkittappara's tourism potential, with the decision made on September 27, 2023, despite opposition from farmers and human rights activists. Three initial sites were considered, but Chakkittappara was chosen after an eight-member panel selected it as the most suitable location.

Land survey work was conducted under a six-member team headed by O.S. Pradeep Kumar, covering 120 hectares of Forest department-owned land. The State government had initially allocated ₹2 crore for the project's initial expenses and a detailed project report (DPR).