The Keralam Cabinet has ordered two separate investigations into the deadly Wayanad landslide that hit the under-construction twin tunnel project at Kalladi near Meppadi on July 7.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said one probe will examine the exact cause of the landslide, while the second will check whether the contractor followed the environmental clearance conditions set by the Centre. Tunnel construction will remain suspended until both reports are submitted and safety risks are assessed.
The disaster has claimed at least three lives, while five migrant workers are still missing. Rescue teams, including disaster response personnel and sniffer dogs, are continuing search operations despite difficult weather conditions.
The state government has blamed “unscientific dumping” of excavated soil near the project site and described the incident as a possible man-made disaster. However, the construction company has denied responsibility, claiming the landslide began higher up in the forest area, away from the worksite.
Satheesan said work on the Anakkampoyil
Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel project will restart only after authorities confirm that there is no further danger. The tragedy has also revived concerns over large infrastructure projects in the landslide-prone Western Ghats region.
