Changanassery: The Bypass road in Changanassery has developed cracks after a portion of the soil caved in, raising serious concerns about public safety. The affected area lies between the new entrance of the railway station and the SH Junction, where a crater-like depression has formed near a culvert. The road runs close to a 12-foot-deep swamp and people now fear that a slight shift of vehicles toward the edge could cause further collapse and potentially trigger a major accident.

A roadside tree in the vicinity is also at risk. With the soil around its roots eroded, the roots are now fully exposed. If the tree falls, it could take a portion of the already weakened road with it, plunging into the swamp. Adding to the risk, a Kerala Water Authority pipeline runs along one side of the road and pedestrians walking this stretch, especially at night, face additional danger due to the lack of street lighting.

Septage dumping
Local residents point to an illegal waste dumping lobby as a major factor behind the soil erosion. They allege that septage waste is being brought in by tanker trucks and discharged through a nearby house using a high-powered pump, which is causing the soil beneath the road to weaken and cave in.

The Changanassery Municipality has now installed surveillance cameras in the area to identify those involved in the illegal dumping.