Kerala Announces Multi-Pronged Probe into Wayanad Tunnel Debris Slip That Killed 3
The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to conduct a detailed investigation into the debris slip that occurred at the construction site of the Meppadi-Kallady tunnel in Wayanad district. The incident, triggered by heavy monsoon rains on Tuesday, resulted in at least three deaths and several missing persons.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan told reporters after the cabinet meeting that the probe will examine both technical and legal aspects. He stated that the Union government had granted environmental clearance subject to around 50 conditions, and the investigation will check whether the implementing company complied with them. Preliminary reports indicate a landslide occurred above the project site, which will also be examined.
Satheesan added that construction will resume only after the investigation is complete. He recalled that as Leader of the Opposition, he had raised concerns about the tunnel project in the ecologically fragile Wayanad region, and was criticised by supporters of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government as being anti-development. He noted that an earlier state-appointed committee had recommended against the project, and the Union government initially took a similar stance, but later approved it with conditions after state pressure.
The debris slip occurred when a large pile of excavated mud engulfed the tunnel portal. Rescue operations are underway for five missing persons. The Chief Minister is scheduled to visit the site later on Wednesday.
