Complete travel ban imposed on Gap road stretch in Munnar

A view of the Gap road stretch in Munnar. Complete traffic ban imposed in the wake of more chances for landslips on the stretch. | Photo Credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY

Idukki District Collector V. Vigneshwari on Friday imposed a complete travel ban on the Gap road stretch in Idukki until further notice.

According to sources, the travel ban was imposed on the stretch after another minor landslip was reported near the Gap road, part of the Munnar-Bodimettu stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, following heavy rainfall on Friday. According to officials, boulders and rocks from the overhead slopes fell onto the road around 1 p.m. Another minor landslip was reported on the road on May 12, after which the district collector imposed a temporary traffic ban on the stretch. According to the sources, the complete traffic ban was imposed in the wake of more chances of landslips on the stretch.

Narrow escape

Several trees were uprooted in various parts of Idukki following heavy rain. Three persons, including a one-month-old baby, narrowly escaped after their house was wreaked due to strong winds at Mayiladumpara near Nedumkandam.

The shutters of Ponmudi, Pambla, Kallarkutty and Malankara dams were opened. On Friday, the water level in the Idukki reservoir was 2,342.74 ft, as against 2,338.22 ft on the previous day. The water level in the Mullaperiyar dam rose 4.35 ft over the past 24 hours. The water level in the reservoir on Friday was 129.10 ft as against 124.75 ft on Thursday. The maximum allowed level in the dam is fixed by the Supreme Court at 142. ft.

14 relief camps

According to the officials, 138 people from 45 families were staying in 14 relief camps opened in various parts of the district. A total of 130 houses were damaged due to rain-related incidents.

The district administration will take strict actions against those who violate the tourism ban order, according to the Collector. The district administration has suspended Jeep safari, jeep trekking, and other tourism activities until further notice. The vehicle will be seized and action will be taken against the firm if they were found violating the ban.

Published - May 30, 2025 08:18 pm IST