Landslide Strikes Munnar National Highway Again, Night Travel Ban Averts Major Disaster

Munnar, Idukki: A significant landslide has once again occurred on the National Highway at Pallivasal in Munnar. A major catastrophe was narrowly avoided due to the existing night travel ban, preventing any casualties. Local residents have expressed concerns about the possibility of further landslides in the area.

The latest incident took place in the same stretch where the second bridge of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway is currently under construction. Locals strongly attribute these recurring landslides to unscientific construction practices and indiscriminate soil excavation in the region.

Partial vehicular movement has resumed on the affected route since morning. Authorities have announced that an expert team will be dispatched to thoroughly inspect the landslide-hit area and assess the situation.

This incident follows a tragic landslide just the previous day in Adimali Koombanpara, where Biju (45) of Nedumpallikkudi lost his life after his house was engulfed. His wife, Sandhya, sustained serious injuries in the same incident. It is alleged that this landslide was also a direct consequence of unscientific soil excavation carried out for the national highway construction. Approximately 22 families, including Biju’s, had been relocated from the high-risk area due to safety concerns. However, Biju returned home for dinner at night, and the accident occurred within 20 minutes of his arrival.

In response to the escalating situation, the District Collector has issued directives to the National Highway Authority to immediately halt all construction activities on NH 85 and in other vulnerable areas across the district. A special investigation team has also been constituted to probe the incidents thoroughly.