The landslide at the Wayanad tunnel site was a man-made disaster caused by unscientific dumping of earth, Kerala Minister for Public Works announced on Tuesday. He stated that authorities have begun efforts to ascertain whether more people remain trapped under the debris.
Minister Blames Unscientific Dumping
Speaking to reporters at the disaster site, the Minister said the collapse occurred due to the reckless piling of excavated earth without proper engineering safeguards. He noted that preliminary investigations point to gross negligence by the construction agency responsible for the tunnel project.
“This was not a natural calamity. The unscientific dumping of huge quantities of earth on a steep slope triggered the landslide,” the Minister said. He added that the state government would initiate a thorough inquiry and take strict action against those found guilty.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force and local authorities are working to clear the debris and search for any missing persons. The Minister confirmed that several workers were evacuated, but the exact number of those trapped is still unknown.
“We are using advanced equipment to detect signs of life under the rubble. The priority is to save any survivors,” he said. The landslide occurred early Monday morning, burying a section of the tunnel under construction near Meppadi.
Background of the Project
The Wayanad tunnel is part of a major highway expansion project aimed at improving connectivity in the hilly district. Environmental activists had previously raised concerns about the stability of the slopes and the disposal of excavated material. The Minister acknowledged that warnings were ignored.
“The contractor failed to follow the approved environmental management plan. This is a clear case of negligence,” he said. The state government has suspended the contractor’s license pending investigation.
Official Response and Next Steps
The Kerala government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of each deceased worker. A high-level committee will be formed to review safety protocols for all ongoing tunnel projects in the state.
“We will ensure that such incidents do not recur. Strict compliance with environmental and safety norms will be enforced,” the Minister stated. The opposition has demanded a judicial probe into the incident.
