Kerala forms expert panels to probe Kalladi tunnel landslide and oversee soil removal

The Kerala government has constituted two expert committees following the July 7 landslide at the Kalladi Phase 3 tunnel site in Wayanad district. A five‑member panel—including geologist Dr C P Rajendran, ecologist Dr Vishnudas CK, Chief Wildlife Warden Dr P Pugazhendi, and senior officials of the Public Works and Revenue‑Disaster Management departments—will investigate the causes of the collapse, examine whether contractor Dilip Buildcon Ltd breached contract terms, and review the environmental and forest clearances granted by state and central ministries. The committee is required to submit its findings within one month.

A separate three‑member committee, comprising Dr Santhosh G Thampi (Prof, NIT Calicut), Dr Jude Emmanuel (Environmental Scientist, DoECC) and a representative from the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, has been tasked with preparing a report on the safe removal and disposal of the soil and debris that accumulated at the tunnel construction site. The panel will advise the District Disaster Management Authority on scientifically sound removal methods, addressing concerns that the contractor had not cleared the material despite directives issued in June. The government highlighted the need for stricter safety monitoring at highway projects ahead of the monsoon season.