Debris removal work under way in Munnar highway

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) continued debris removal operations at the landslip-hit Moonam Mile area near Munnar on the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway.

Following a recent landslip on the evening of October 23, the Idukki District Collector imposed a complete two-week traffic ban on the Munnar–Adimaly route starting October 25. According to officials, the latest slide occurred while workers were clearing debris left by another landslip the previous week.

“The district administration has directed the NHAI to complete debris clearance at the earliest. Once the debris is cleared and a protective retaining wall is constructed, traffic will resume immediately. The Munnar–Adimaly stretch via Randam Mile is a vital corridor connecting the Munnar hill station,” said a senior Revenue Department official.

The official added that traffic diversions on the stretch will remain in place. Vehicles traveling from Adimaly to Munnar must divert at Iruttukanam and proceed via Anachal and Randam Mile. Those traveling from Munnar to Adimaly must take the reverse route via Randam Mile, Anachal, and Iruttukanam. Motorists heading toward Mankulam have been directed to turn at Iruttukanam to reach Kallar Junction before proceeding to Mankulam.

Meanwhile, sources said that in its reply to the Idukki district administration, the NHAI claimed that the repeated mudslides along the widening stretch were not caused by unscientific construction. The agency stated that the Munnar region is inherently prone to landslips and road-widening works can trigger such incidents

Sources also noted that an expert technical committee has been constituted by the District Collector to determine whether unscientific road widening contributed to the repeated slides.

Based on the NHAI’s response, the district administration has written to the State government seeking further instructions.