Excise officers work in makeshift 'container' office at Malappuram's Anamari check post

Vazhikadavu: The makeshift excise check post built using a container is in a precarious state, putting the lives of the officers in jeopardy. The excise check post office, including the resting area for the officers, in Anamari at the foot of the Naadukani mountain pass, is arranged inside a container.

This facility that was opened in 2006 is in a dangerous state as the authorities haven’t done any maintenance until now. At least six officers, including the excise inspector and the preventive officer would be posted here always. The officers struggle even to properly move around the congested office that is almost on the verge of collapsing.

The officers who are on duty often seek refuge in nearby buildings when it rains heavily. The makeshift container office doesn’t have any toilets or other basic facilities. Meanwhile, lorries that lost control had rammed into this office twice. Although the container stands on the roadside, there is a huge gorge on its backside. Vehicles containing heavy loads are often unable to stop at the check post that is at the foot of the steep mountain pass.

The authorities have been urged to build a check post complex in Anamari by coordinating the check posts of various departments. Currently, the check posts of the excise and forest departments function here. Besides, the demand to establish a police check post too is under consideration.