Palakkad is 5th landslide prone region in ISRO list

Palakkad: In the ISRO list of the most landslide-prone regions in the country, Palakkad occupies the fifth position. Post 2011, 32 landslide incidents were reported across the hilly regions of the Kerala district. 

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has identified ‘Soil Piping’ in various locations in Palakkad.

Soil piping (tunnel erosion) is the formation of underground tunnels due to subsurface soil erosion. 

In a study conducted in 2019, Soil Piping was identified in Malampuzha, Ottapalam, Thiruvazhamkunnu and Mannarkkad. Serious environmental concerns were reported from these regions.

Series of events

In August 2019, landslides affected Palakkayam Achillati, with a recurrence on September 22, 2023, in Pandanmala. Authorities had warned of potential risks in vulnerable areas but no significant action followed. Affected persons received Rs 10,000 in financial aid. The Rubber Board highlighted technical constraints hindering housing construction efforts. In indigenous areas like Pambanthod and Vellathodu, 92 families were promised new homes by October 2023. Nearby, the Kuruthikkavu hills saw landslides impacting ten households, leaving acres of farmland unusable. Despite state efforts, displaced farmers in areas like Nelliyampathy, Kalkkuzhi, Odamthode, and Uppuman are struggling with inadequate government support for agricultural rehabilitation due to funding shortages.