Idukki: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has come under fire after residents alleged that unscientific road-widening work led to a massive mudslide at Adimaly, near the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH-85). One person was killed and his wife critically injured after their house was buried under mud on Friday night. Around eight houses were destroyed in the Unnathi Lakshamveedu colony following the incident.

The district collector has directed the NHAI to submit a detailed report on its road work after public outcry blaming the central agency for the tragedy. The government has also ordered NHAI to halt all works on the Kochi–Dhanushkodi route until further notice.

Minister Roshy Augustine, who also represents Idukki in the state assembly, told the media the district collector has been asked to submit a detailed report on the mudslide after consulting various departments and NHAI. He added that experts will examine the spot to confirm whether it is suitable for human habitation or not. 

Talking to the media, sub-collector Arya, who visited the mudslide hit spot, said that a decision on rehabilitating the displaced people would be taken after discussions. She added that a detailed scientific study would be conducted on the mudslide.

Adimaly Block Panchayat member Krishnamoorthi said 22 families in the area were shifted to relief camps after the panchayat observed the risk of another mudslide. According to him, mud was being removed from a hilly area as part of the NH-85 widening project. Residents had earlier complained of cracks developing on the hill from where NHAI was excavating soil for the road work.

“The residential colony lies on the slope of the hill below the highway. As the risk of a mudslide increased, panchayat officials issued a notice and relocated 22 families to Adimaly on Saturday evening,” Krishnamoorthi said.

Residents alleged that the highway work was being carried out without any safety precautions.
“They are clearing hill slopes without considering the danger of landslides,” said a local resident.

The timely intervention of the panchayat to relocate the families averted a larger tragedy. The displaced families are now staying at Adimaly Government School.

Biju, the victim, reportedly returned to his house on Saturday evening from a relative’s home to collect important documents. He and his wife, Sandhya, were later pulled out from the debris around 5 am on Sunday. Biju succumbed to his injuries at Adimaly Taluk Hospital, while Sandhya, who sustained severe leg injuries, was shifted to Rajagiri Hospital in Aluva. Hospital authorities confirmed that she remains in critical condition and will require multiple surgeries to restore mobility in her legs.