Kuppam landslide: SHRC orders probe into NH collapse

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct an immediate investigation into the recent landslide in the Kuppam-Kappanamthatti national highway construction zone, following complaints that it has caused dangerous cracks on the road.

The Commission issued the directive to the NHAI project director asking for a detailed report within 15 days. The matter will be reviewed during a sitting at the Kannur Government Guest House on June 21. The District Collector has also been asked to file a separate investigation report.

The Commission took suo motu action based on a newspaper report highlighting the collapse of a concrete side wall constructed to protect the road. The collapsed section was located away from a known landslide-prone area but had been cut and built up as part of the highway development.

The report noted that the landslide now posed a threat to nearby residential areas and the road conditions had deteriorated to the point of being described as a disaster zone.