Probe begins into Idukki mudslide, report expected within two days

Idukki: An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the mudslide at Adimali, which claimed one life and destroyed several houses. A special team comprising officials from various departments has begun inspections at the affected sites. The team is expected to submit a preliminary report to the Idukki District Collector within two days.

The investigation, which begins today, will include visits to landslide-prone stretches of National Highway 85 and other vulnerable areas in the district. The special team includes the District Geologist, Hazard Analyst, Soil Conservation Officer, District Officer of the Ground Water Department, Executive Engineers from the Public Works Department (National Highway Division) and the National Highways Authority, and the Devikulam Tahsildar. They will submit a preliminary report within two days and a detailed report within four days.

Until the study report is submitted, District Collector Dinesan Cheruvat has instructed the National Highways Authority’s Project Director to suspend all construction activities along NH 85 and other landslide-prone areas in the district. However, the directive permits only the removal of debris that has fallen onto roads and nearby houses.

Meanwhile, Devikulam Sub Collector V M Arya said arrangements have been made to shift those currently staying in relief camps to temporary accommodation within the next two days. Vacant KSEB quarters have been identified for the relocation. In the first phase, eight people who have lost their homes entirely will be moved, followed by the evacuation of all remaining families residing in the danger zone.