Kerala HC directs KSDMA to conduct hazard checks at places similar to Wayanad debris slip site

The Kerala High Court (HC) has directed the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to conduct hazard sweeps of landslide-prone sites similar to the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel, where a debris slip caused the loss of eight lives and injured 10 people. 

The court was considering a suo motu petition initiated to monitor the progress of victim compensation and the inquiry into the Chooralmala landslide of 2024 and the Kalladi debris slip.

The Division Bench of Justices A.K. Jayasankar and A.K. Preeta pointed out that the State Disaster Management Authority could not shirk responsibility for such an incident, saying that environmental clearance was granted for the construction since precautionary principles still governed environmental matters.

The court further remarked that the State should look into the person or authority on whom the responsibility for the tragedy should be cast.

Earlier, the amicus curiae had informed the court that the District Disaster Management Authority had alerted the executing agencies about the accumulation of nearly one lakh cubic metres of excavated earth that ultimately caved in, causing the tragedy. It was further stated that the excavated earth near the construction site should be removed.

Previously, the court had directed the State to disburse compensation to the victims of the Wayanad debris slip and to undertake the expenses of the injured currently being treated by July 17.

The matter will be considered after 10 days.