Amid landslide threat in Munnar, tourists urged to exercise caution

Idukki: Amid a threat of landslides looming over the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway (NH 85), Idukki district collector Dinesan Cheruvat has urged tourists to avoid travelling to Munnar through the route unless absolutely necessary.Traffic restrictions have been imposed near the CSI Church area in Munnar after a recent landslide raised fresh safety concerns. The collector said the advisory was issued in view of the possibility of further landslides and soil slips along vulnerable stretches of the highway, especially at locations where road construction work is under way. The warning follows a landslide reported near the CSI Church in Munnar on Sunday, prompting the district administration to step up precautionary measures in the area.As part of the emergency response, people staying in a building that developed cracks after the landslide were shifted to safer locations. Police and motor vehicles department officials have been entrusted with implementing traffic control measures and regulating vehicle movement through the affected stretch.District authorities said heavy rain has increased the risk of landslides and earth slips at several points along the highway, particularly in construction zones where the soil has become unstable.

Instructions have been issued to install warning boards in danger-prone areas and to ensure that travellers are alerted well in advance.The district collector also directed that a detailed risk assessment be carried out in the affected area. A hazard analyst from the disaster management authority has been assigned to inspect the site, assess the extent of the threat and submit a report to the administration.The administration has advised tourists to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary trips to Munnar through the affected route until weather conditions improve and the safety situation is reviewed.