The Kerala government has ordered an immediate halt to the tunnel road project in Wayanad following a devastating mudslide that claimed multiple lives and left five people missing. Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced on Wednesday that a comprehensive study of the tunnel project and a detailed investigation into the cause of the disaster will be conducted.
Search Operations Underway for Five Missing Persons
Rescue teams are continuing their search for five individuals who remain unaccounted for after the mudslide struck a residential area near the tunnel construction site. Over 200 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and fire services are engaged in the operation, using sniffer dogs and advanced equipment to locate survivors or recover bodies. Officials reported that the search has been hampered by continuous rainfall and unstable terrain.
Government's Response and Investigation Plans
Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the government will not resume any work on the tunnel road project until a thorough study is completed. “We will carry out a detailed investigation to find out the reason for the disaster. The tunnel road project will remain suspended until we understand the geological and environmental factors that contributed to this tragedy,” he said. The state government has also formed a high-level committee to probe the incident, which will include experts from the Geological Survey of India and the National Institute of Technology.
Impact on Local Communities and Infrastructure
The mudslide has severely affected nearby villages, destroying at least 12 houses and damaging agricultural land. Over 300 people have been evacuated to relief camps set up in schools and community halls. The district administration has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and free ration for displaced families. The tunnel project, part of a larger highway development under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, was intended to improve connectivity in the hilly region but has faced criticism from environmental groups.
Political Reactions and Demands for Accountability
Opposition parties have demanded a judicial inquiry into the disaster, alleging negligence in the project's planning and execution. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala accused the government of ignoring warnings from environmental experts. Meanwhile, local residents have protested against the tunnel work, claiming that blasting and excavation weakened the hillside. The Chief Minister assured that all those responsible would be held accountable and that the government would prioritize the safety of the people.
