Landslip threat along NH service road at Chala in Kannur raises safety concerns

A potential landslip threat has emerged along the national highway (NH) service road near Chala in the district, triggering concern among commuters and residents ahead of the monsoon.

The danger zone is located along the service road towards Thalassery, where soil excavation carried out as part of the highway construction has left a high retaining wall and adjoining earth loose and vulnerable to collapse.

The service road towards Thalassery and Koothuparamba is almost complete, and the authorities are expected to divert vehicles through the stretch within the next few days as part of the ongoing NH construction works. Residents fear that the weakened elevated portion could collapse during heavy rain, as the area also witnesses strong rainwater flow during the monsoon.

The India Meteorological department (IMD) has already indicated the likelihood of rain from early June.

Local people pointed out that a section of the vulnerable area had earlier been stabilised using soil-nailing technology. They are now demanding that the remaining unstable portion also be reinforced using similar methods before the onset of rain to prevent accidents and ensure commuter safety.