Kollam: A day after a section of the sidewall collapsed at the under-construction NH-66 stretch in Mylakkad, creating deep craters on the service road and trapping vehicles, District Collector and Disaster Management Authority Chairperson Devidas N has initiated urgent measures to resolve the disruptions caused by the incident.

The decisions were taken after discussions with officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the contracting company responsible for the Mevaram–Kadampattukonam widening project.

According to the Collector, work to restore the drinking water supply has begun, with the Water Authority replacing damaged panels in the affected area. Full traffic is expected to resume on the right side of the service road on December 7, while small vehicles will be allowed on the left side by noon on December 8, enabling partial movement.

The collapse at Mylakkad on Friday had left large pits on the service road, trapping several vehicles, including a school bus. All passengers were evacuated safely. 

Residents in Kottiyam have alleged that repeated complaints about unscientific construction practices in the waterlogged-prone area were ignored. They pointed out earlier craters that had appeared on another stretch of the same project, prompting the Collector to issue corrective directions.

The Collector said work to replace damaged underground KSEB cables will begin once the report is submitted. Home guards and volunteers will be deployed to manage traffic in the meantime.

He has also directed officials to submit details of inspections already carried out by the NHAI. A joint inspection by the Ground Water Department, Public Works Department’s National Highways wing, and the Roads Department will be conducted in Kottiyam, Mevaram, Parakkulam, and Kadavoor, areas identified as vulnerable to similar incidents.

The NHAI has been asked to conduct a scientific study to determine the exact cause of the collapse and provide its findings.

ADM Nirmal Kumar G, along with NHAI representatives, the contracting company, and district-level officials, attended the review meeting.