KOCHI: Terming the landslip near Adimali on the NH-85 corridor as “unfortunate”, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Sunday said it had taken significant precautionary measures at the stretch prior to the disaster. An NHAI expert team even visited the site a couple of days back and submitted a detailed report on the likelihood of a landslip there.
“The visit was following a communication from the Idukki District Disaster Management on October 22. The NHAI then submitted a report, recommending the immediate evacuation of families residing in the affected area. With the swift cooperation of the local administration, all at-risk families were safely relocated to a temporary relief camp at Adimali Government School. Traffic movement was also suspended from 10am on Saturday as a precautionary measure,” an NHAI spokesperson said.
The mudslide struck the Laksham Veedu colony near NH-85 late on Saturday night, resulting in the death of Biju, 48, and critical injury to his wife, Sandhya, while also destroying around eight houses. The incident occurred after authorities had already evacuated 22 families from the high-risk area due to cracks appearing on the hillside.
The central agency stressed that the tragedy took place when Biju and his wife temporarily returned to their home from the safety of the camp for a personal necessity. “Also, no construction activities related to highway widening were underway at the affected site at the time of the incident,” the official said.
The central agency maintained that its coordinated efforts with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) — implementing several proactive measures — significantly helped to contain the extent of the damage.
“NHAI requests that the safety instructions issued for the public’s safety be taken seriously. Monitoring is continuing at the site 24 hours a day. NHAI is working in close coordination with the District Administration, the MP and MLA, local authorities, and residents of the affected area. We will continue our efforts to ensure the safety of human lives and property until the situation returns to normal,” the official added.
Collector halts NH work, orders expert study
Idukki: Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvat on Sunday ordered immediate suspension of all highway construction work along the landslip-prone stretches of NH 85 and other hilly regions. A multi-departmental expert team has been formed to conduct a detailed geotechnical study of the site, Dineshan said.
“The team will submit a preliminary report within two days and a comprehensive report in four,” he said. The team includes the district geologist, hazard analyst, soil conservation officer, groundwater department officer and engineers from the National Highways Authority of India and the public works department.
It will assess soil stability, drainage and slope safety to determine future construction guidelines. Sub-Collector Arya VM, who visited the landslip site on Sunday, said the administration will also verify whether any construction norms were violated.
