Danger looms over Veeramala in Kasaragod as landslip risk grows with monsoon

Cheruvathoor:Massive overhead rocks loom precariously over the narrow road at Veeramala in Mayicha, threatening to give way at any moment. A mere six-metre-high retention wall is all that stands between these looming boulders and the road below. Amidst this fragile setting, vehicles continue to speed past, turning the area into a ticking time bomb.

With the arrival of the monsoon, the risk of a catastrophic landslip has intensified, largely due to the reckless sand mining carried out for National Highway development. The 57-acre Veeramala hill is now at grave risk. Of this, 10 acres at the top are under the Revenue Department, 37 acres are forest land while the remaining 10-odd acres at the base are in posession of private indivisuals

The base of the hill is particularly vulnerable and experts warn that a landslip could trigger a flood of debris onto the National Highway below.

The serene hilltop
Veeramala’s summit is a scenic expanse blanketed with wild bluewings and white lavender flowers, offering breathtaking views of the Dutch Fort and the Arabian Sea. This tranquil hill is the proposed site for a heritage village, expected to be a key highlight on the district's tourism map.

The Dutch, who built the fort to store spices brought down from the high ranges, also gave the hill its name as Veeramala. Remnants of this fort still grace the hilltop. To the east, the picturesque Ramanchira lake serves as a habitat for migratory birds, making it delicate ecosystem.

Construction of the district’s largest bridge across Ramanchira, which include three approach roads, is nearing completion. Simultaneously, plans are underway to build a boathouse terminal along the Thejaswini River that courses down the northern valley of Veeramala as part of a plan to boost backwater tourism. Alongside all these, a reservoir atop the hill supplies drinking water to thousands of families in the surrounding areas. Despite its ecological and cultural significance, this hill, so deeply embedded in the lives and landscape of the region, is now being destroyed by unscientific mining practices.

Traffic diversions continue on NH
Meanwhile, the traffic restrictions, imposed after the slippage of soil from Veeramala  onto the National Highway, continues to remain in effect.

Vehicles travelling from Kanhangad to Cheruvathoor or Payyannur now have to take a detour via the Kottappuram–Madakkara route from Neeleswaram. For those heading from Payyannur to Neeleswaram or Kanhangad, the alternative route is through Kothayimukku–Kangol–Cheemeni–Kayyoor–Chayyoth. Another viable route to reach this point is Karivelloor–Palakkunnu–Vellachal–Chembrakanam–Kayyoor–Chayyoth.

These restrictions will remain in place until the National Highway Authority releases its safety report. For now, only heavy vehicles are permitted to use the affected stretch of highway near Cheruvathoor and that too under police supervision. The District Collector has confirmed that no permission has been granted for other vehicles, including buses, to pass through the Veeramala route.