Panakkad Landslip: Road Reopening Put Off to Friday Amid Rain Alert
The Malappuram district administration on Thursday deferred a decision on reopening the Vengara-Malappuram road until Friday, citing the orange alert issued for the district. The road has been closed since a landslip occurred at Edayippalam near Panakkad on Monday.
An orange alert from the India Meteorological Department signals the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places. In the hilly terrain of Malappuram, such rainfall can increase the risk of landslips and waterlogging. The road is an important link for the villages of Vengara and nearby areas, and its closure has affected the movement of commuters. Residents and travellers have been advised to avoid the affected stretch until it is declared safe.
An expert committee comprising officials from the Geology, Soil Conservation, Motor Vehicles, Police, Local Self-Government, Fire and Rescue Services, Public Works and Disaster Management departments, along with a hazard analyst, inspected the site on Thursday. Officials said the road had been cleared and was motorable. However, experts warned that the slope could become unstable if heavy rain continued, as waterlogged soil might lose strength. The committee is expected to reassess the situation on Friday morning before a final decision is made.
A section of the hill collapsed on Monday, sending mud, trees and boulders onto the road and into the Kadalundipuzha river. Several people, including journalists covering the incident, had a narrow escape. Around 20 houses near the site were evacuated as a precaution. The area is about 200 metres from the residence of Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty. Officials said soil movement in the area was being continuously monitored to detect any further instability.
Debris removal began on Tuesday. On the first day, four earthmovers and 47 lorries removed 238 truckloads of earth. On Wednesday, three earthmovers and 23 lorries cleared another 135 truckloads, bringing the total to 373 truckloads. The road was made motorable by Thursday. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, led by Malappuram station officer M. Abdul Gafoor, also cleared drains and washed away slush using two fire engines and a mobile tank unit. The team also removed uprooted trees that had fallen across the road. Volunteers from Civil Defence, Apda Mitra and other organisations assisted in the operation.
District Collector Vinay Goyal on Thursday felicitated the Fire and Rescue Services personnel and volunteers for their contribution to the clearance work. He appreciated their swift response, which helped in restoring the road partially.
In the wake of the landslip, the district administration has decided to intensify action against illegal laterite and granite quarries. Joint teams comprising officials from the Geology, Police and Revenue departments will inspect quarries, prevent unauthorised earth excavation, and identify constructions that lack proper permits. Round-the-clock check-posts are to be set up to inspect vehicles, including tipper lorries carrying quarry materials. The check-posts will also verify whether quarries possess valid licences and whether vehicles have the necessary permits. Encroachments along State and national highways will also be identified and removed as part of the drive.
The administration has said that stringent action will be taken against any violations of mining and construction regulations, in a bid to prevent similar incidents in the future. Further updates are expected after the committee's assessment on Friday.
