Wayanad tunnel road construction suspended; twin probes into Meppadi-Kalladi tragedy ordered

Thiruvananthapuram: Following the landslide at Kalladi in Wayanad, the construction of the tunnel road has been temporarily suspended. A dual investigation has also been announced regarding the tragedy. The decision was made during the Cabinet meeting. Construction will resume only after the investigation reports are received.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that technical and legal examinations would be conducted regarding the disaster. He added that a specific inquiry would also look into whether the contracting company adhered to the 50-point guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Environment. Clarity on details, including the investigating agency and the timeframe, has not yet been provided.

It is reported that a landslide occurred just above the disaster site, which will also be included in the scope of the investigation. A high-level engineering team led by the Public Works Secretary will examine the technical aspects.

A compensation of Rs 5 lakh each will be provided to the families of those who died in the tragedy. Free specialist medical treatment will be ensured for the injured. The Chief Minister also stated that the search for the missing persons has been intensified under the leadership of the Disaster Management Force.

Not a collapse of the soil heap: Company

Meanwhile, Dilip Buildcon Limited, the construction contractor, and Konkan Railway officials claimed that the incident was a landslide in the forest land and not a collapse of the soil accumulated as part of the construction work. The landslide did not occur on the construction site. They clarified that the impact of the landslide was reduced due to the presence of protection walls built as part of the tunnel road construction. Sebastian, the General Manager of the company, and the Konkan Railway representative stated that the soil accumulated during the work had been safely secured by covering it with tarpaulin.